Book Review – Shuffle Up and Deal by Mike Sexton

Sure, Mike gives you some great insight into the game. However, I must say that Doyle Brunson’s SuperSystem does it better. Mike wants you to play solid-aggressive poker just like everyone else these days. There’s nothing new with his tips. Practice, play online and analyze your game. If you’ve read one recent poker book, you’re not going to get the Holy Grail of No Limit Hold ‘Em here – just a regurgitation of the advice that’s making the rounds these days.

That’s not to say that Shuffle Up and Deal doesn’t have its merit. The true joy in reading this book comes from Steve Lipscomb’s story behind the WPT! I found how this poker league came to be to be a really great story. There are so few Cinderella stories these days; this one is a page-turner. The other piece of value you’ll get from Shuffle Up and Deal is Mike Sexton himself. He gives you great plays from the WPT final tables and runs them down for you without Vince Van Patten’s annoying shtick. If you’re a fan of the WPT – and Mike Sexton, this is the ideal book for you.

Overall, Shuffle Up and Deal isn’t a ground-breaking poker book; but, it is a good poker book about a ground-breaking innovation – the World Poker Tour. It’s a great read. Pick it up if you already have an idea on how to play the ‘Cadillac of poker’ or if you just love Wednesday night’s on the Travel Channel.

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