Rating: 
Summary: The best book of its kind!
Review: As a blackjack player, I've often tried my hand at video poker when the tables were "cold." Never won much... never lost much... and, after reading Grochowski's book, realize that I didn't know much! I've always heard that blackjack and video poker are the only two casino games where the player actually has a long-term chance at winning. I now know why VP, if played the way that John recommends that it be played, is distinguished from other machine games. His analysis of EVERY type of video poker game, and his recommended playing strategy for each type of machine, should give even the beginning player a great chance of going home with some of the casino's money! His writing style and anacdotes make the book fun and easy to read, and coupled with his comprehensive analysis of video poker, makes this a book that every casino gambler should own.
Rating:
Summary: The best book of its kind!
Review: As a blackjack player, I've often tried my hand at video poker when the tables were "cold." Never won much... never lost much... and, after reading Grochowski's book, realize that I didn't know much! I've always heard that blackjack and video poker are the only two casino games where the player actually has a long-term chance at winning. I now know why VP, if played the way that John recommends that it be played, is distinguished from other machine games. His analysis of EVERY type of video poker game, and his recommended playing strategy for each type of machine, should give even the beginning player a great chance of going home with some of the casino's money! His writing style and anacdotes make the book fun and easy to read, and coupled with his comprehensive analysis of video poker, makes this a book that every casino gambler should own.
Rating:
Summary: Surprised How Well This Format Presented So Much Good Info
Review: I am an avid VP player, as you might know from reading my book The Frugal Gambler. My husband and I have been playing (and winning overall) for 11 years.I know John's writings well, having read all his other books. However, when I knew he was writing a VP book, I was wondering how his Q+A format would be able to cover this wide-ranging subject. So many games, so many strategies? But when I read the book, I was amazed at the amount of even rather complex information that he covered in such a simplified form. Why, I bet some people learned a lot without even realizing they had been studying! And most important of all, the information in this book is based on sound math principles - as all gambling writing should be.
Rating:
Summary: Surprised How Well This Format Presented So Much Good Info
Review: I am an avid VP player, as you might know from reading my book The Frugal Gambler. My husband and I have been playing (and winning overall) for 11 years. I know John's writings well, having read all his other books. However, when I knew he was writing a VP book, I was wondering how his Q+A format would be able to cover this wide-ranging subject. So many games, so many strategies? But when I read the book, I was amazed at the amount of even rather complex information that he covered in such a simplified form. Why, I bet some people learned a lot without even realizing they had been studying! And most important of all, the information in this book is based on sound math principles - as all gambling writing should be.
Rating:
Summary: Good for every level
Review: I was very pleased with the Video Poker Answer Book. I'm no novice to vp, it's my favorite game in the casino. I play fast and, I believe I play well. Yet there was valuable information and tips that I picked up from John Grochowski's book. It's clear and concise and the format works. Thanks for teaching an old dog some new tricks.
Rating:
Summary: Makes learning video poker painless
Review: I've heard and read so often that with the right strategy you can actually come out ahead if you play video poker, but until now, have not been able to get a handle on a strategy. This book helped me tremendously. Not only did I learn to play better video poker, I actually had fun reading the book and learning. The quiz format made it painless. I've read other video poker books, but I always found it a bit grueling working my way through all the charts and calculations. John Grochowski makes it easy. He uses anecdotes to illustrate certain points and they serve as great memory triggers. The book has already helped me improve my play at some of the casinos near my home. I can't wait for my next trip to Vegas. I recommend the video Poker Answer Book to anyone who wants a better understanding of the game and how to play it. Fine learning tool.
Rating: 
Summary: Expecting something else
Review: Most people, including me, know how to play video poker machines and what cards to hold in a play. The real problem comes when you double your play to get the most payoff, and that's where the real strategy is needed.
This book is good for someone who is just starting to play and understand poker, but is not helpful at all when you already understand the game, odds and strategies and need to maximize your payoffs when doubling your game.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific learning tool
Review: My copy of The Video Poker Answer Book already is well-worn, as I read and re-read, study and quiz myself, and prepare every time I go to the casino. Needless to say, I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer from Arizona about the question-and-answer format. I think you learn by doing, and this book lets you work out the problems, then gives the explanations that underscore the learning experience. It's not just a cookbook that tells you what do do. It's really strong on explaining why we should play certain hands certain ways. On top of that, it covers games I've never seen in any other video poker book. It seems that every other video poker writer thinks everyone plays in Las Vegas and has access to all the top pay tables. Well, I play mostly in Indian casinos in the Midwest, and I never see those games. I do see many of the games detailed in this book. It gives me the strategy changes I need for the lower pay tables I see in the Midwest. That makes this book the most complete video poker guide I've ever seen.
Rating:
Summary: Must Read Book
Review: Of all the video poker books I have read and reviewed in my gaming columns, John's book ranks right up there as one of the best. Whether you are a novice player or have some experience playing video poker, you will become a much better player after reading his book. John's Q&A format also makes it easy for the reader to grasp key points and his recommended strategies & explanations on how the machines work are right on the money. Trust me - you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended for players who want to learn how to play & more importantly how to improve your chances of winning. Henry Tamburin....
Rating: 
Summary: Unnecessarity complicated
Review: This book is supposed to explain video poker strategy. Instead it asks questions (if you knew the answers you would not have needed the book) and you have to go to a completely different section of the book to find the answers. It is time-consuming and not worth the effort of wading through all the different pages.
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