When I think of poker books I like to separate them into two categories: strategy books and story books. Let me just say that The Professor, the Banker and the Suicide King is one hell of a great poker story book.
The book chronicles the biggest game of poker ever conceived and all the twists and turns along the way. The story revolves around a rich banker by the name of Andy Beal who arrives in Vegas, takes up poker and searches for the richest game he can find. The story that spans several years is nothing short of remarkable, with fortunes being won and lost during some incredible heads-up poker matches.
Apart from telling the story of Andy Beal and his quest to play in the very biggest games the book also peels back the curtain and gives the readers a glimpse into the poker world that isn’t shown on TV. The author, Michael Craig pulls very few punches when describing some of the events that took place and how the players involved acted when their entire bankroll was on the line.
The main thing I gained from this book is a new-found respect for some of the players mentioned in the book, most notably, Todd Brunson, Ted Forrest, Jennifer Harman, and Howard Lederer. These players, who are well known from what you see on TV, are so much more accomplished when you look at their performances in the high-limit matches during their career.
If you are looking for a great story of poker, and an honest, almost painful view of what the high-stakes of poker is all about, pick this book up.
It may not offer you a lot in terms of strategy, but it will sure give you a lot to think and talk about.
The following is a link to amazon to buy the book:
The Professor, the Banker and the Suicide King
