Gus Hansen - Every Hand Revealed - Hands On

I finally got my mitts on Gus Hansen's book, Every Hand Revealed. Orders (and pre-orders) on Amazon already put it in their top 200.

The book is a chance to get inside his mind as he chronicles 329 hands on his way to winning the 2007 Aussie Millions. Only hands folded pre-flop are omitted.

I just read the first 25 pages (at lunch) and found it hard to put down. The style is an easy read and it seems he gives you just enough detail about the situation. Blinds, position and players are detailed for each hand and he gives you his reasoning for his actions. He also highlights some hands as being key for the tournament.

He started with a very strong first table and lost the first 10 hands he played, cutting his stack in half. He talks about reads, taking stabs, adjusting his play, etc.

I think it looks like a very solid entry and can't wait to see hands near the bubble and into the final table. It could easily be the start of a new trend - I think lots of the popular pros could repeat the format and provide fresh perspective on their play.

You can find it and other poker books Here.

WSOP Final Table Delayed for TV

As you have probably heard, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event final table will be delayed until November. The Tournament plays down to the final table as usual, then everyone gets paid for 9th place and they restart it in November to coincide with ESPN's coverage. That way the final table is played out as close to live as possible.

The idea is to build buzz, ratings, and advertising revenue. Overall I think I like it. Certainly, live events generate more excitement and it seems to be a win-win situation for all parties. The Players Committee endorsed it through Daniel Negreanu.

Here is the Full WSOP Announcement.

Despite my approval, here are some random thoughts I came up with:

If it catches on, Vegas books may have an event to compare to Superbowl.

Is there now a waiver: no one who is six months pregnant can play the ME?

Sucks if you sneak into the final table with almost no chips. Wait 3 months to go all in on the first hand and get paid $0.

How much insurance does ESPN have on Norman Chad & Lon Mcheren?

I sense another reality show (groan).

Take it back a few: Moneymaker doesn't win, Raymer likely doesn't win, Gold has to change his style (because he gets warned) and doesn't win.

Huge, make that HUGE, advantage to the pro who makes the final table. Having had their hole cards exposed, amateurs are going to have to hire a coach, lawyer, publicist and bodyguard, develop a new game in 3 months, learn to hide any tells, study their opponents, sign contracts, play other events for practise, give out interviews, quit or arrange leave from their job, keep the family happy, etc.

Gus Hansen - Every Hand Revealed - Update

Gus Hansen's book, Every Hand Revealed, looks like it's well on it's way to being the top poker book of the year - and it was just released. Orders (and pre-orders) on Amazon already put it in their top 400.

The book is a chance to get inside his mind as he chronicles 329 hands on his way to winning the 2007 Aussie Millions. Only hands folded pre-flop are ommited. Given his style (and reputation), it will be interesting to see his logic in making unorthodox plays.