Further Limit Hold 'em ─ Exploring the Model Poker Game

Limit hold em, while currently not as popular as no-limit hold em, is an extremely interesting game from a theoretical standpoint: The rules are complex enough to allow constant intrigue, yet simple enough to allow computer bots to play the game on an extremely high level. These are important advantages over the two other most commonly played flop games: no-limit hold em and pot-limit Omaha. And yet, all three games share crucial similarities in terms of community cards, game structure, and position. Consequently, these advantages make it the model poker game.

This book approaches limit hold em in a rigorous way: using game theory, statistical analysis, and a focus on posing new questions that can produce additional value to your game. Some of the conclusions are provocative and counter-intuitive; providing new ideas for any poker player.

While targeted to the dedicated professionals, Further Limit Hold em is accessible to players of all levels, including someone just started in poker. Concepts are woven together and developed from the ground up, while at the same time, you re shown when to forego higher level ideas in favor of simpler and more profitable alternatives.

Philip Newall has been a professional online limit hold em player for the last seven years. Starting out from scratch, he worked his way up, becoming a regular in some of the highest stakes games played on the European networks. An established author, his first book, The Intelligent Poker Player, was published (also by Two Plus Two) in April 2011. That book shows how his approach to limit hold em fits into his wider views on poker theory, and shares his views on how professionals should optimize their careers. He writes regularly for the Two Plus Two Magazine and is a regular participant in the Two Plus Two forums.His varied academic interests continue to inspire his approach to poker: Philip received a BSc in Economics and Statistics from University College London (UCL) in 2009, completing the Chartered Financial Analyst program in June 2011, and is currently studying towards an MSc in Cognitive and Decision Sciences again at UCL.