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Ace On The River by Barry Greenstein
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"Ace on the River" is different from most poker books. It has less to do with strategy than with what could be called "the poker lifestyle." Nonetheless, intermediate to advanced audiences will find the book useful for finding a greater understanding about the poker world.
Book Content: I initially read Barry Greenstein's book when it was first published, and learned quite a bit about the high-stakes poker lifestyle. I found the book to be primarily entertaining as opposed to educational. However, after a second read, not only is it still entertaining, but I have found some useful information I had previously overlooked.
One thing that Greenstein makes quite clear is that a professional gambler (including professional poker players) cannot expect to have money, or to have a stable financial life, unless they work at it and plan for it properly. Bankroll is, of course, only one aspect of this. Since Greenstein's experiences are with high-stakes players, the book also makes mention of sports betting, backing deals, borrowing from 'juice men' (loan sharks charging usurious rates) and costly bad habits such as non-poker gambling and drugs which hinder many otherwise capable players. There is a chapter devoted entirely to the subject of how to 'hold on to money' which is something a lot of excellent card players could use a lesson on.
Greenstein also addresses many of the theoretical concepts left out of most strategy books. More specifically; a poker player's role in society and their perception of reality. He gives the excellent advice that those considering playing poker for a living should probably do something productive instead and that poker is a means to, rather than the end of, a happy life. In terms of a gamblers perception of reality, Greenstein's treatment of complex events and contingency is fascinating. Take his treatment on the impact that supposedly small decisions have on life. In the section devoted to "chaos", Barry proposes that playing a bad session too long may change who a gambler ends up marrying, and therefore his or her children and their impact on the world and ultimately, where the gambler finally ends up. While intentionally exaggerated, Greenstein's examples do demonstrate how gamblers often have to remove themselves and their choices from the outcomes that result; in effect, he shows that there is no certain 'cause and effect' for the life of a gambler. Personally, I feel that most poker players could use a reminder that playing well money won, not pots by drawing (or avoided).
One problem with the book, however, is that the strategy section is all too brief. While this is not a problem itself, Greenstein chose to address only a few games in this section as opposed to sticking to just one. It means that the treatment given to each game suffers from brevity.
Organization: This is where I think "Ace on the River" surpasses all other poker books. I have yet to encounter a book possessing the quality of graphics and chapter organization in this text. Not only does "Ace on the River" contain high-quality color photography, the photography itself is incorporated cleverly into the text so as not to distract the reader but enhance their experience. The division of chapters (once again, accompanied by excellent photographic choices) is first-rate as well. I found this to be among the most readable books I have ever enjoyed, especially within the gambling genre.
Audience: Since this book is more about how to conduct yourself properly in the poker world, as opposed to how to play the game itself, it is a book geared primarily for an advanced audience. However, the text itself is so interesting and enjoyable to read that I recommend anyone with a serious interest in poker to read this book.
 
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