Internet Texas Holdem: Winning Strategies from an Internet Pro [Paperback]

I also think the book could and should have devoted more time to the very real differences between the internet games and live casino play. The recent surge in poker's popularity has led to a HUGE influx of very poor players into the online poker sites, and I think the author could have taken some time to explain strategy variations that are effective in the different style of play you find online - if you do open an account online, though, search around for a sign-up bonus code to use when you sign up - another post here led me to pokercroaker.com, who keeps theirs updated fairly frequently.

That being said, the advice is fairly sound, and written in an easy-to-understand style - just not all that much different than can be found in more popular books, by the authors mentioned above.

I bought Hilger's book because it looked like a good book for a beginner. I learned a lot of basic principles that helped me find direction in my poker oddessy. Now, I've become a more advanced player, and thanks to Matthew's teachings, have risen in limits. Then, I've searched for some more advanced titles, and was dissapointed. Thats where I realized something. Hilger has accomplished writing a "Beginner" poker book thats is deceivingly advanced. His skill of writing seamlessly bridges the gap between simple and more complex topics, that it makes it very easy for a novice player to grasp these concepts.

I'm not saying you'll go from a home game donation machine to a Vegas Millionaire just by reading the book. However, read the book once, pick out the major topics, and you'll improve. Wait a month, read it again, you'll pick up a few more advanced teachings you didn't quite understand the first time around. Hilger's book has become my poker desk reference. While I have 7 poker books around the house, most look like they are fresh out of the Amazon bubble wrap. Except for Hilger's work. It looks like its been used and abused rather frequently, thats because its that good.

So...go ahead and purchase Hilger's "Internet Texas Hold'em." No matter what level player you are, you'll gain some valuable insights that will earn you more than a few Big Bets down the road.

However, as a book that advertises itself as how to play and win online it is no better than anything else out there. Which is to say: it is a disappointment. 80% of the book is dedicated to the basics of holdem play and strategy. The remaining 20% offers sometimes useful insight into playing online but nothing that is particularly insightful or revolutionary.

I bought this book based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews that are listed here. I can only assume after having read the book myself that most, if not all, of the reviewers are personal friends of the author and are jazzing it up so that he can sell a few more copies.

If you want to win holdem on the internet I think that I can offer you a little advice and save you the price of this book (and the other internet books). First, if you already know how to play well then just keep playing, practice makes perfect. In other words, follow good strategy, be patient and don't go on tilt. Second, if you don't know how to play well then buy a few books (most of them say the same things), read them carefully and practice alot. Third, don't play over your head. Stay at low limits for a while and then graduate to no limits at small blinds. That is where you will make the money. Fourth, go back to your books frequently and follow the strategies, they do work.

So far the best internet poker book that I have read is "Killer Poker Online" It starts out assuming that you already know how to play and then outlines the basic differences between b&m joints versus online play (higher hands per hour and the lack of visual tells). I would also recommend a book on pure advice of philosophy like "The Tao of Poker"

Finally, don't buy this book in search of the "secret" to winning on the internet. It is simply not any better or different than anything else out there. It's a good BASIC book on holdem, nothing more, nothing less. I wish I could get my money back, maybe I'll sell it used.