By
Lenny |
Published
Jun 26 2006, 09:48 PM
The Tao of Pokerby Larry W. PhillipsDespite his precipitous exit from the final table, few can argue that Andy Black was not among the standouts at the World Series this year. After Matusow went out, with or without the chip lead I’d say he was the prohibitive favorite to win the Main Event. Unfortunately for him, that’s not the way the cards fell.
Why do I mention Mr. Black? Because in his ESPN interviews he mentions how his study of Buddhism improved his game. Why not? Essentially Buddhism is a whole religion based on avoiding "tilt" in life– why not apply it at the poker tables?
You may have heard of Zen and the Art of Poker, a great book by Larry W. Phillips that gives deep insight into how Zen Buddhism can revolutionize how you approach the game and life for that matter. You don’t have to don a robe and shave your head, you just have to open your mind a bit and give it a chance, I promise you it is worthwhile.
Another of his books,
The Tao of Poker, offers the reader bits of encapsulated wisdom which can be read at a glance or studied again and again for deeper meaning. His “285 rules to transform your game and your life” offer genuine advice and invaluable tips for the serious cardplayer. In the tradition of the koan these tips are short but infinitely thought provoking. This is by no means a strategy manual, it is more of a guide to meditation– on how to improve your game from within.
Don’t worry, it is not all “What is the sound of one hand clapping” mumbo jumbo, there is concrete, useable advice. Also the brevity of each tip make this the ideal bathroom reader. After all, have you ever felt closer to Nirvana than after a really good... never mind.
To buy this book on Amazon.com click here :
The Tao of Poker