There are hundreds of Poker books out there that all talk about improving your "A" game, while not many deal with the biggest leak of most serious players- tilt. This book attempts to deliver the user a way of becoming "Tiltless," and it does a good job of it.

I would recommend it to any serious poker player who wants to increase their bottom line, and aleviate the stresses of pursuing poker as a career.

This is not a technical strategy book, but more along the lines of a self-help book. This book is not a written in a straight-forward manner, but rather a collection of "144 elements", each of which is a little blurb about a specific topic. They are written on lots of different topics, ranging from the author's outlook on the game, to how certain opponent actions should be interpreted. It focuses largely on mental make-up and how attitude affects your play.

This is not the first book to broach these topics and it is certainly not the best. The author seems much more interested in being given credit for "unique ideas" and claiming credit for coining certain terms, than he is on actually improving the poker abilities of the reader. He tries very hard to write in a witty manner, and although he succeeds to some extend, it is very hit or miss.

The key factor at play is whether or not this book warrants purchasing. Will it improve your poker game? The answer is probably not. This "feel good" book might help to boost your confidence, but it will not help you to play better. But if you still don't believe me, than I strongly suggest you go to the Cardplayer website and read all his articles. Each is archived and although they are actually better than this book, it's not by much.

I completely get what this poker book attempts to do, unfortunately, it just fails. I highly suggest passing on this one and instead picking up "The Poker Mindeset" or "Inside the Poker Mind".

This is the most refreashing poker book i have read, it helps tie everthing about playing together to make you a better player.

I don't have much time to write this, but if you want to be a better more thoughtfull player this is the book for you.

There are some books about poker psychology, or, more specifically, controlling your own psychology when dealing with the tilt-inducing parts of poker.
Tommy Angelo's book is different since it doesn't just tell you not to tilt (like, duh) but gives genuine ideas about what to do when you do (and you will). Also, the chapter on meditation is unique and still highly practical.

Also, Tommy has a wonderfully creative writing style which makes the book just a joy to read.

I helped edit the manuscript, am listed in the thank yous, am a friend of Tommy's, and was coached by him in 2001 before he started charging. So there's my conflict of interest but this is independent truth:

Elements of Poker is the best-written poker book on the market by a wide margin. It is truly a delight to read.

Many players with good A games go broke because they either rarely play their A game or their C game is so bad that their A game doesn't matter. Most people study poker to improve their A game, and most poker books are written towards improving A games. EOP is more about improving your C game, reducing tilt, and overcoming poker pain. If you're not into those things don't buy it. If you are, Elements of Poker is a fine read.

Matt Flynn
Co-author, Professional No-Limit Hold 'em.