Poker Books by Anthony Holden

In “Holden on Hold’em,” Holden combines his expertise as a skilled poker player and writer with insights from top professionals to deliver a comprehensive guide to poker strategy across various environments, including home games, casinos, cash games, tournaments, and online play. The book features in-depth analysis, practical advice, and a wealth of resources, such as charts, tables, sample hands, and etiquette tips, to help players navigate the complexities of the game. Holden also delves into the art of bluffing, reading tells, and mastering the intricacies of position and outs. Alongside the strategic content, the book offers an engaging look at poker’s rich history and its most celebrated players, making it an essential and entertaining addition to any poker enthusiast’s library, alongside the classics “Big Deal” and “Bigger Deal.”

This brilliant anthology of poker-themed short stories features works from authors like Anthony Holden, Patrick Marber, Neil Pearson, and Jennifer Tilly, with an introduction by Al Alvarez. The collection, curated by Holden, includes a diverse range of narratives that offer a deep insight into human nature, making it more than just a book about a popular card game. It also features a poem from Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

This book charts the incredible journey from “Big Deal” to “Bigger Deal,” capturing the essence of poker’s transformation over the years. The poker landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in the fifteen years since Anthony Holden’s classic book, “Big Deal,” was published. Back in 1988, when Holden participated in the World Series of Poker, the event attracted 167 entrants vying for a $270,000 prize. Fast forward to the 2006 WSOP, the setting for the climax of this book, and the scene had shifted dramatically with 8,773 players competing for a staggering first prize of $12 million, the largest in any sport. This seismic shift in poker’s popularity and scale can be attributed to the advent of the internet and television, which have sparked a global poker boom. Poker has shed its once murky image, evolving into a game with a newfound respectability, much to the chagrin of traditionalists. The infamous smoky rooms of the Horseshoe have been replaced by the glitzy tables of massive Las Vegas tournaments, now frequented by celebrities like Martin Sheen, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck, who have all embraced the game. In the UK, the television show “Late Night Poker,” attracting around 2 million viewers, has contributed to the game’s mainstream appeal, although Holden found himself excluded from the last series due to his exceptional performance.

Anthony Holden chronicles his yearlong journey playing poker across the globe, striving to make a living or at least turn a profit from the game. The book offers valuable insights into the intricacies of poker strategy and the psychological aspects of the game, while also recounting a compelling story that, as revealed in the epilogue, even inspired one reader to pursue a career as a professional poker player.

Explore the digital realm of high-stakes poker. Packed with expert insights and battle-tested strategies, this comprehensive guide equips both players with the tools they need to conquer the virtual felts. From mastering the nuances of online gameplay to exploiting opponent tendencies and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of online poker platforms, Holden’s meticulous analysis and insider tips provide a roadmap to success in the world’s hottest game. Whether you’re grinding cash games or competing in prestigious online tournaments, this book is your indispensable companion to elevating your game and dominating the digital felt.