Harrington on Hold 'em vis a vis SSHE & HPAP

[RJT]

Perhaps I should post this in a different thread. I thought this one seemed the most relevant. If another is more appropriate, please let me know. Also, I am a beginner. So, if this seems pedantic, my apologies.

I want to commend our publishers for publishing Dan Harrington’s and Bill Robertie’s Harrington on Hold ‘em. I read Small Stakes Hold ‘em and Hold ‘em Poker for Advanced Players and just finished Harrington. (I have much re-reading to do, to digest it all.) It seems to me that Harrington was no random choice by the publishers. At first I didn’t give it much thought: They, simply, published a good book by a good player. But, after assimilating some of the ideas in Harrington’s book with what I read by Sklanky, Malmuth, and Miller, this thought occurred to me: Harrington takes off (somewhat) from where they left off. SSHE and HPAP are superb in the theoretical explanations for Hold ‘em. Then, Harrington gives us many, good play by play analysis of hands, along with good practical advice. (This is not to say that the other two books don’t.)

While it is clear that all the authors have a genuine love for the game, as well as a love in teaching the game; Harrington's endearing personality shines through in his book and is a nice complement to the others’ more theoretical (although, obvious caring for the reader) read.

I, simply, want to recommend Harrington on Hold ‘em to those who haven’t yet read it. (It is not just another book on Hold ‘em.) And again, I want to commend and thank the publishers here at 2+2 for printing it (as well as the other two books).

[Rudbaeck]

I don't think you should draw too many conclusions about no limit from limit books.

[RJT]

Point well taken. I was really trying to post more of a review of the book, than an actual comparison. It didn't really make sense now that you point out the obvious to me. I am still trying to learn both, so I have my feet in both worlds.

I am really just getting into the poker world (having yet to decide which I prefer) and was a bit overzealous in my post.

Thanks for your remarks.

[Rudbaeck]

But yes, I think 2+2 has learned lessons in how to write, edit and market books if nothing else. The format of SSH and HOH is vastly superior to previous 2+2 books.

[Rasputin]

I just want to second the commendation for the better readability of HoH. The grammar didn't make me wince once.

Two questions:

1) When is volume two due out and
2) Has anyone made a nifty chart out of the preflop recommendations?

[Rudbaeck]

1) April-May was mentioned in the Books forum earlier.
2) Not that I know.

[__Q__]

Harrington is trying to teach you how to think about the game so that you don't need a chart.

The strategies that Harrington suggests are too complex to be reduced to a chart.

If your looking for some kind of easy to learn system for playing NL tournaments, then check out sklansky's book.

[bernie]

[ QUOTE ]
Harrington takes off (somewhat) from where they left off. SSHE and HPAP are superb in the theoretical explanations for Hold ‘em. Then, Harrington gives us many, good play by play analysis of hands, along with good practical advice.

[/ QUOTE ]

Harringtons book is for NL tourneys. The others are for limit cash ringgames. Be very careful in blending them. There is a big difference in terms of how these games play.

b

[el kang]

[ QUOTE ]
Harrington is trying to teach you how to think about the game so that you don't need a chart.

The strategies that Harrington suggests are too complex to be reduced to a chart.

If your looking for some kind of easy to learn system for playing NL tournaments, then check out sklansky's book.

[/ QUOTE ]
I strongly disagree with this. You can reduce many of Harrington's ideas and specifically his opening list to a chart.

And though Tournament Poker for Advanced Players is a great book, it is not a great book for NL. You get more from Theory of Poker, and about 15 pages of TPAP.

[RJT]

I understand what you are saying. I appreciate and will head your advice.

Don't you think, though, for example, some of the "tricky plays" written about in SSHE are similar to moves one might make in NL? I am not saying they are exactly the same or interchangeable. Much of what I read seems to be applicable to both formats; so long as one takes the basic concept and modifies it to the appropriate situation.

[patrick dicaprio]

there is probably as big a difference between no limit cash game startegy and single table strategy as there is in any other forms of poker.

Pat

[__Q__]

When I suggested sklansky's book, I was refering specifically to his "system" that he developed for the casino owner daughter.

I actually think that both sklanksky's and harrington's books are excellent.

However, there is no way that you can reduce Harringtons book into a chart of starting hands in a way similar to SSH.

Harrington doesn't tell you to follow any simple guidlines. He explains that the game is to complex for that. "A hand in No-limit hold'em has many facets only one of which is the cards you hold. A player considers all elements of the hand before making a play." (HOH, 18) Unless you are going to include all of these facets, (he lists 11 of them) into your chart, then you aren't really doing his book justice.

[BarronVangorToth]

All of the books have points that cross over -- naturally, they are all promoting quality play.

Harrington's book is a fine addition to the canon of 2+2 literature -- a must-read for anyone serious about their game, whether they are planning on playin the WSOP or their online sit-'n'-go.

Barron Vangor Toth
www.BarronVangorToth.com (http://www.BarronVangorToth.com)

[jimymat]

What did he have for lunch?