I'm thrilled that my "Little Gold Book" is released worldwide tomorrow. This is my fourth and last poker instructional book. I gave it everything I had. I had tons of help, including insights and tutoring from some of the very best in the game: Phil Galfond, Annette Oberstad, and Daniel Cates. I also spent a great deal of time with one of the truly great "young guns" Anders Taylor. This book, and the revamping of my game, couldn't have happened without them.
Writing is very difficult, especially when under intense stress. Poker 2.0 (combinatorics, range analysis, combined probability, simulation, heads up displays) is complex and difficult. Teaching to a worldwide, diverse audience of different skill sets and keeping it readable for all is more or less near impossible. And still, I gave it my best shot. There is something in the Gold Book for everyone -- of that, I'm sure.
I have enormous pride in my books. I can't begin to tell you how great it makes me feel to walk the halls of the WSOP and have people come up to me and say that they loved the Black, Green and Blue books. I've had many sessions at the table where the guy next to me was actually listening to the Green book on his iPod while I'm sitting next to him -- strange, but awesome. There are 500,000+ copies in print as of today, and I have 12 different translations sitting on my shelf. That is amazing and humbling.
As my "professional" poker career comes to an end, I realize that beyond the television shows, unsuccessful bracelet chase, successes and dramatic failures, I am most proud of the fact that I've helped hundreds of thousands of people understand and enjoy this great game just a little bit better.
My results and reputation as a player won't get me into the Poker Hall of Fame -- of that I'm certain. But, I'm equally certain that there are players out there -- perhaps you, dear reader -- that learned from my books that absolutely will end up in the hall and wearing bracelets. That is good enough for me.
This Gold Book is for my two sons, Xander (now 3 1/2) and Zachary (almost 2). In the dedication, I say: "With everything you do in your lives, go all-in." And now, with the publication of this book, I'm all-in too.
October 10, 2011
Phil Gordon
Writing is very difficult, especially when under intense stress. Poker 2.0 (combinatorics, range analysis, combined probability, simulation, heads up displays) is complex and difficult. Teaching to a worldwide, diverse audience of different skill sets and keeping it readable for all is more or less near impossible. And still, I gave it my best shot. There is something in the Gold Book for everyone -- of that, I'm sure.
I have enormous pride in my books. I can't begin to tell you how great it makes me feel to walk the halls of the WSOP and have people come up to me and say that they loved the Black, Green and Blue books. I've had many sessions at the table where the guy next to me was actually listening to the Green book on his iPod while I'm sitting next to him -- strange, but awesome. There are 500,000+ copies in print as of today, and I have 12 different translations sitting on my shelf. That is amazing and humbling.
As my "professional" poker career comes to an end, I realize that beyond the television shows, unsuccessful bracelet chase, successes and dramatic failures, I am most proud of the fact that I've helped hundreds of thousands of people understand and enjoy this great game just a little bit better.
My results and reputation as a player won't get me into the Poker Hall of Fame -- of that I'm certain. But, I'm equally certain that there are players out there -- perhaps you, dear reader -- that learned from my books that absolutely will end up in the hall and wearing bracelets. That is good enough for me.
This Gold Book is for my two sons, Xander (now 3 1/2) and Zachary (almost 2). In the dedication, I say: "With everything you do in your lives, go all-in." And now, with the publication of this book, I'm all-in too.
October 10, 2011
Phil Gordon
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