Positively Fifth Street
by James McManus
This book is half poker journal and half murder mystery/courtroom drama. McManus alternates chapters between his experience at the 2000 World Series of Poker and accounts of the controversial trial for the murder of Ted Binnion. Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish are the defendants in the case and they are quite the couple, she a stripper turned kept woman and he a contractor with a checkered past.
As a poker fiend you may find yourself skipping over these chapters (I definitely skimmed them on occasion) but amidst all the drama and sordid details of the case you get an inside look on the lives of the Binions, an old-school gaming family that run the Horseshoe like Casinos should be rather than glitzy theme-parks for America’s vacationers.
As for the poker, it is an entertaining read. McManus is an amateur player who takes his shot at the big time in the main event in 2000. His path through satellites, crash course in poker theory and his time at the tables is a fun read that can actually give you some food for thought for the way you play. One can only read so much Sklansky before your eyes fall out of your head, and the more literary poker writing can provide an entertaining diversion for the poker fan, and a close reading can provide valuable insight into your own game.
The most memorable parts of the book are McManus’ confrontations with T.J. Coutier in various stages of the tournament. He describes each decision and situation in exquisite detail, bringing the reader right into the pot with him, pulse pounding with each turn of the cards. I highly recommend this book as it is well written, fun to read and I even learned a bit while I wasn’t looking.
To buy this book on Amazon.com click here: Positively Fifth Street
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