A classic in poker literature and a portrait of the World Series of Poker before it became the bloated, corporate shill game it has warped into. Not that I don't love it. ( )

A good discussion of what poker was like before the stampede following the televising of the games with pinhole cameras. ( )

This is just a fine book. The British poet Alvarez has created a great read about eccentric people and "fooled" a lot of poker player to read some quality litterature (i.e. this book). ( )

"Even if you don't like ..." That's how a lot of recommendations go for books and things people might not otherwise try. "Even if you don't like football, watch Friday Night Lights." And it applies here. While it certainly helps to like poker, that affection isn't required to appreciate The Biggest Game in Town, written by British poet and New Yorker contributor A. Alverez.

This is not a poker how-to book. It's a portrait of Vegas as Dreamland, the only place these eccentrics who play in the biggest game can thrive. It's funny and beautifully written, even if you don't like poker. ( )