Cards by Maxwell isn't very good

[chessforlife]

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I think the subject matter of the book went totally over your head. The book is only about a pro because the player "thinks" he's a pro. His plays are only good because the player "thinks" his plays are good. This is not a book on how to play correctly. It is a book about kid in his late 20s, full of cockyness, thinking he knows it all, and willing to put everything on the line. Maybe this is why he borrows money? Maybe this is why he is always broke?

If you wanted a book on how to play poker correctly, this isn't it. If you wanted a book about a professional making millions of dollars because he "plays correctly," this isn't it. If you wanted a book about a TRUE professional poker player, this isn't it.

New (and old) players to the game will relate to the player in this book in almost every way. Maybe we you used to think or play like him at some point, or perhaps you still do. Either way, there is truth to the book.

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Yes. the point. It's a novel. I'm somewhat stunned how many people are missing this most basic point. This is a story of a card player that is both unique, yet at the same time is totally typical. He's a player with strong and weak points. **Spoilers* If you remember, he states "I think my technical play sucks... my big talent is reading people."

So what are you so suprised about?

But I'd say that he plays many good plays as well. Did you get to the part when he folds bottom set with the rag-rag- jack no flush board?

I feel like quoting different passages from the book, but I'm too lazy.

The point is that I find this book to be quite brave and, maybe, brilliant. I'd need to get a hold of an interview of the author.

But, the fact is that the kid starts, and ends broke. (HINT HINT.)

And I'd postulate that this is a coming of age book about a young adult healing from a missed girlfriend, a family and society that doesn't accept him, and his learning to accept himself with all his flaws... all subtlely behind a poker framework

Thye more I think about it, the higher this book creeps up my list.

Are any of you feeling this way... that you like the book more as days go by after you've read it?