[jfk]

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So the first poker books I read in order were:

Winning Low-Limit HE
SSHE
ITH
TOP

Then I bought Yao's book and for the life of me I didn't learn anything I hadn't already read in another book. Did I miss anything? Why is this book rated so highly?

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Had you read yao's book first, the same "criticism" could be applied to the other books on your list.

Yao's book is as good as any for full ring limit play. As has been mentioned, his treatment of shorthanded play was more thorough and comprehensive than anything in print at the time his book was released.

His treatment of equity considerations is more modern in approach than the full ring hold 'em lit. which predated his book.

His use of charts presents information in a way which may be more easily understood or retained by many readers. His use of boxes and side stories to augment a point offer a mental break from the subject matter and a way to glimpse poker problems from other perspectives.

WTO is also a very versatile book and offers considerations based on game type. Yao does not take a monochromatic approach of his opponents.

At the most basic level Yao writes as well or better than most poker authors, presents his information clearly and offers solid, technicaly correct advice. A beginning player who might read only King Yao would be have the tools to play winning limit hold 'em.

Yao deserves to be considered among the best of the limit hold 'em contributors. That some readers happened to find his work after reading the solid work of others does not diminish Yao's contributions.