Thinkin' about No-Limit

Many people have played poker in some form, and many more have seen it in the movies. Of course, everyone knows that going all-in with four queens or a royal flush makes sense, right? Sure they do (And don't forget that poker face, pardner..)

Ahh, if only it were that simple...

For any number of reasons, moving from traditional kitchen table games to modern casino (or online) no-limit Texas Hold'em (NLHE) is no cakewalk. It can be a costly and humbling experience.

Let's face facts here: dime limit 5-card draw or stud games are, alas, hard to find in Vegas. The ante has been raised, and aspiring players need to get with the times.

While still 'poker' in name, NLHE is a vastly different and more complex game than the poker that many people have played in the past. Naturally, some reading on the subject is a good idea, and there are many books, websites, and videos out there, some of them quite good.

Yup, good, sure... but often long, full of math, convoluted explanations, advanced lingo, and overly focussed on details. It is all too easy to get lost amongst the trees and miss the forest.

We believe that you can handle the big picture, and that a high-level, holistic perspective is key for you to become a solid player faster. Armed with an overview - a map - you will have context for other media you come across, and, more importantly, for situations at the table.

There are a lot of lost, bewildered players out there trying to make sense of it all. And guess what? They are bleeding money to players who know what is going on...

Thinkin' About No-Limit presents a 10,000-foot-view of NLHE cash games. In a relatively few pages, the principle concepts are covered. The reader is gently led into thinking about the game by way of clear, simple, conversational language and examples.

While some math, specific hands, and other details are discussed, the book is an easy read and mostly keeps to the high-level view. Despite the fairly complex topic, the fresh and sometimes humorous style is never dry or boring.

The book's basic premise is that it is nearly impossible to discuss absolutes in NLHE, therefore it is better to look at the big picture and learn to evaluate each situation based on the application of general concepts. No-limit is simply not a mechanical game, and rote play based on memorization will not take you far. Thinkin' is required. Thinkin' About No-Limit presents a framework to think about any game situation that may arise on the felt.

Here are a few testimonials from Amazon:

"This is an enjoyable, readable, intermediate level book on no limit hold-em...a valuable addition for a novice- intermediate like myself. Generally better than a lot of poker books I've read." (4 stars) - Paul Laprade
"Very good info for a beginner / recreational player looking to further their] skill level " (5 stars) - Amazon Customer
"Good insight...Well written and very informative." (4 stars) - Nicole M
"Five stars. Good content." (5 stars) - Joan Fisher

McDonough Books...Guiding Your Personal Learning Journey.