2+2 authors' claims

[jdl22]

I currently own 3 2+2 books, HEP, TOP and the recently purchased HEPAP. I am curious about 2 claims made in the introduction of all of these books.

The first is that the authors (Sklansky and Malmuth) make a large portion of their income actually playing poker so we should be inclined to trust their advice. I would like to know from the authors or those that know, roughly what percentage of their income comes from playing and what from writing/publishing. I'm not looking for dollar figures but percentages. I would also like to know how they feel that their books have affected their pfortits at the tables.

The second claim many can probably answer. In all of these books, including HEP which seems fairly introductory, they say that if you have a full understanding of the concepts in the book and have mastered them, then you have a much better understanding than most professionals. I have far from mastered the concepts, but I don't see how it is possible that professional players have not mastered most of the concepts in these books, especially HEP.

[Ed Miller]

Having played in Vegas for a whlie now, I have to say that I am not too impressed with the play of most "professionals" who play 15-30. I'm even less impressed with what they have to say about the game away from the table. Many of them do not understand fundamental concepts.

[Mike Gallo]

I cannot speak for the Vegas pro scene, however I know several Atlantic City "pro's" that have not mastered most of the concepts in these books, especially HEP.

Define the term "professional".

I currently own 3 2+2 books, HEP, TOP and the recently purchased HEPAP. I am curious about 2 claims made in the introduction of all of these books

Although I do not play for a living, I feel I have an overlay when I play against some of the professional players in my cardroom because I study the game. Many of these so called pro's play on auto pilot and give little thought to the game.

If you want to prove my point,visit your local casino and watch the 15-30 game and higher. Watch for the mistakes that some of these "pro" players make. If you recognize a mistake, then you can draw your own conclusion.

If you want to learn how to play well you found the right site. Welcome aboard.

[bernie]

that's interesting.

but you have to admit, it must be mildly entertaining to listen to them and the concepts they misuse.

nice subtle point about listening away from the table. Many seem to think the game ends once you've left the table. There's still much info to be gained if you listen at the right times.

b

[JTG51]

Remember, these books were written quite a while ago. I suspect that Mason and David make a much higher percentage of their income from book sales now than they used to, due to the recent boom in the popularity of poker.