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Gaming Guru
Five Interesting Titles Cover Antique Slots; Lottery; Casino Games17 December 2003
LEMONS, CHERRIES AND BELL-FRUIT-GUM (An Illustrated History of Automatic Payout Slot Machines) by Richard Bueschel (329 pages, hardbound, $25). The author covers more than a century of automatic payouts machines in text and illustrations, many in color. He faithfully reproduces the original color promotional material distributed at the time. The period covered is 1885 to 1995, including the Roaring Twenties and the Golden Age (1935-1944). Good history reference for those interested in the evolution of the machines; seven-page index of machines, people, places. Great gift item for collectors; beautifully done by one of the great experts on the subject. THE LOTTERY BOOK (The Truth Behind the Numbers) by Don Catlin (181 pages, paperbound, $14).Published in 2003, it is both a guidebook to explain the various types of lotteries which exist in the United States and how to contact each state lottery should you have a ticket and are unsure if you've got a winner. Fascinating stories about how some people got lucky; what each state keeps as its cut; why no system really works. Excellent for the beginner-explains dozens of areas of the lottery you may be asked and don't have time to explain to a friend or relative. GAMBLER'S EDGE by John Gollehon (239 pages, paperbound, $12.99). Excellent beginner's guide to direct the novice to a sensible, money management-oriented trip through their initial casino experience. Much common sense material, with advice on playing craps, blackjack, the slots. Some interesting, colorful stories about characters, smart players. Will help you understand better how casinos will try to separate you from your money and how you can hold onto your bankroll with intelligent decision-making. CONQUER THE CASINOS (A Computer Analysis of Successful Gaming Strategies) by Philip Koetsch (122 pages, paperbound, $12). Written by an electronics engineer, this powerful littler package of information helps analyze various betting strategies. Chapters focus on flat bets; linear bets; geometric bets; the Martingale; then examines what the author says is the smartest in the way of baccarat, craps, blackjack and roulette play. Excellent for those who believe "they're onto a system" or theory and plan to experiment with real money. WINNING AT POKER (Essential Hints and Tips) by Dave Scharf (244 pages, spiralbound,
$9.99). Written for the player now brave enough to venture from home poker or
Internet poker to live side games or tournament play. The author, a Canadian,
gives you the basics for 60 pages, then moves to specific topics like how to
play low-limit hold'em; playing low-limit seven stud; analyzing types of players
you'll face; advanced skills like slow playing and check raising; "tells";
tourneys; online poker; home games. Profiles some of the game's greatest players
in thumbnail sketches. Copyright Gambler's Book Shop. All books reviewed in this article are available from Gambler's Book Shop (Gambler's Book Club), located at 630 South 11th Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 and online at www.gamblersbook.com. Related Links
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