PRO POKER SCHOOL Learn Before You Earn

Poker Review

Review by Scott Bonz

One of the most popular teaching series has stepped up to the next level. The "Dummies" series has recently released a DVD entitled Poker for Dummies. This DVD stars one of the more popular players on the poker circuit, Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 World Series of Poker champion. The co-star is Barry Shulman, the publisher of Cardplayer magazine.

The video is aimed at novice players, home players, and new B&M card room players. However, a good 40 minutes is targeted simply at the basics of Texas holdem. The two go over betting structures, blinds, hand rankings, and general strategy for the game. Most of the tutorial is presented at a card table which makes it very easy to follow and more enjoyable to watch. This movie would be great for beginners who are just starting to play the game.

For intermediate players however, the DVD drags significantly. Both stars of the movie probably will not be staring in any Hollywood productions. The material is presented in a dull fashion, however, the graphics are very promising.

Toward the end of the video, the more interesting facts about poker are revealed. Barry Shulman talks about the art of the bluff and tells that are present in the game. For a person that has played poker for a good two years this was the only new information. Shulman refers to poker as a game of life, in which only the people with most of the facts will come out ahead. This quote helps out a lot when you have a mom that hates the fact that her son is gambling.

The final segment talks about Chris Moneymaker's top ten secrets to his World Series championship. Going into this section I expected way more than what was presented. Two of his secrets were to 'develop a signature style' and 'always play your best game." This is where Moneymaker rocks out his shades that gave him the edge in the World Series. Whew! What a moment.

Poker for Dummies is a good incite into the world of poker. I would recommend this DVD for beginning players looking to find out a little more about the game and how it is structured.

However, for intermediate players looking to step up their game, it was a let down. There were some good information at the end of the video, but most of it was devoted to other things. Poker for Dummies retails at $16.99 and you can purchase it at the top of this page by clicking our link to buy it now..

I would recommend that you buy this for your girlfriend so they can figure out how to play poker. I've had trouble trying to get my girlfriend to play cards with me and my friends-I guess I'm not that great of a teacher. So I relied on good old Chris Moneymaker to teach her for me. I can proudly say that she takes all my money now. Thanks a lot Chris!