[chessforlife]

This is a tightly run ship.

Ako, I for one, commend your enthusiasm, and your voicing an opinion that is vulnerable to ridicule. And I do think the plays are worth investigating. I can't comment because I dont believe myself to be enough of an expert.

For what it's worth, I loved "Cards." I am only a meteorologist on a ship, not a professional poker player, but I found "Jim"'s downfall to be not his intelligence, but his inability to control his emotions. It is interesting to me how many different opinions people have about this book. I found it to be a straightforward, humoristic, delightful story. I don't know or really care wether the author aimed to do this or that with the character, although I would like to read an interview of him. As a casual player, I loved being told about this unusual poker world. Like you I found myself on a sort of emotional high while reading it. The writing style has a candid feel that holds you tightly.

I've given this book to my poker friends on the ship, and the general opinion is positive.