Any Americans read 'Big Deal'?

[spm 1]

I was just wondering if any of the American contingent of this site has read 'Big Deal' by Anthony Holden?. The book is about him turning from author, to being a poker pro for one year.He's English and is Prince Charles's official biographer, so you can probably imagine it's very well written. The book pretty much starts by him winning a $1000 satellite to the 1988 WSOP main event, being seated with Stu Ungar and Tele Savallas (spelling) and then the events of the following year, culminating with him trying to beat his previous years placing.He gets to play with Johnny Moss, Amarillo Slim, Johnny Chan, T.J Cloutier and many other of the greats.The guy has a great self-deprecating sense of humour.Anyway, just thought I’d pass on my thoughts and recommend this book.

[Valuecall 0]

I've read and I agree it is worth reading for anyone intersted in the "poker scene." The book is written very well, though English-centric for obvious reasons. The reader should be prepared for significant non-poker content (which enriches the book, IMHO), including thoughts on his significant other, friendship with other authors, etc.

[dead money 1]

This is one of my favorite books. It was very well written. I would reccomend this book to any poker player.

[TS Clark 0]

Holden is a very fine writer and I enjoyed the book. I would definitely recommend it. I think it's an interesting look into "The Life" even for those who do not play.

[711Buddha 0]

Holden tells some interesting stories and he's easy to root for. I think McManus is more timely and accessible to Americans though. Just my $.02

[cardcore 0]

I've read it and re-read it. I also got the pleasure of playing with Mr. Holden whilst I was in London!

[JayPaav 0]

yeh. its great. read it on the plane to london before i hit the cardrooms. much in the same everyone reads ben mezrich's "bringing down the house" when the fly out to vegas (from NY that is)!!!

[spm 1]

I've read it and re-read it. I also got the pleasure of playing with Mr. Holden whilst I was in London!

Was he as charming as he appears in his book.The guy just seems a very relaxed approachable person.

[Brownbeard 0]

Excellent book - maybe the best book ever written for pure poker entertainment - far more interesting than pure strategy books. I recently read James McManus' Positively Fifth Street and it's good, too, but Big Deal is still my favorite.

[snafu 0]

Definitely my favourite poker book. Not a great deal of strategy and poker theory, but a very well told story of a Brit turning pro for a year and his trials and tribulations. Jim McManus has a similar self-deprecating sense of humour and doesn't seem to take himself too seriously, but I still preferred Big Deal to Positively Fifth Street. It's nice to see two authors who don't try to sell themselves as the greatest poker players in the world, but seem grounded in reality and acknowledge their limitations and faults - much more realistic to a beginner like me!!

[spm 1]

It has to be said guys, I'm impressed by your response. To be honest though, you'd have to be a real idiot not to enjoy it.