3 replies to this topic

[lokibeat]

Okay, I bought Phil's Million Dollar system since it was discounted at Best Buy and I was curious. I've seen the commercials for Howard Lederer's dvd's and am very curious, but after the Phil DVD, I'm VERY skeptical. I find I learn most from watching televised tournaments. I understand that you're missing out on a lot of hands that might key in to how someone plays a hand, but since I saw Phil Gordon in the Bay 101 final table, I think I can extract more out of watching them play different hands then listening to them explain the game.Specifically, I remember Phil bullying with the big stack and getting called. A few hands later, he folds top pair A (with a low kicker) in the face of a bet from the guy in front of him. Turns out the guy didn't have an Ace, but had a good draw. Very instructional. I think Phil's reads suffered a little for a while there. So, I've gone and bought the WPT first season DVD. I figure with 10 hours of footage of top players in real situations, I'm bound to pick up some key learnings. I may not have some of the underlying principals that drive the plays, but I'm a smart guy, I think I can figure it out. There's always a reason for a play, you just have to figure it out (or guess and work your way back.)By the way, I think I'll mute the commentary a few times too. I really don't think they add that much value on most plays. I read books too, but just don't pick it up as well from the books. We'll see if this has an impact.Thoughts? Where have you guys learned the most? BTW, hands down, experience at tables is where you learn the most, but that's kind of hard knocks and you can't always ask "What did you have?"

[rkard]

You get much more valuable information just buying a couple of books. I can't really recommend any DVD's unless you're a true beginner.

[RikyRicardo]

I have Phils and Howard "Put me to sleep" DVDs...Phil's are ok, the further you get into them the better they get... that being said... I don't know what everyone is looking for out of these video... If I can get one or 2 good points from each book or video now I am happy. I like watching the play on TV... but I think a lot of people don't understand that these are all pros... and that they are playing short handed, and have better reads they the viewers....Howards 2nd DVD isn't too bad... but it is super boring snoring... I fell asleep a good 3 times before I could get through it.When I buy a new poker book now... again I am not looking for all the answers... I am looking for a few tweeks here and there... because all the books/writers/players have different styles of successful play, I think they give you the basics of their game... and you need to tweek it to yourself...I am sorry but I can't play as recklessly as GUS Hanson, or even daniel seems to play sometimes, obviously it works, but that is not my style. I just bought the 4th annual poker seminar thing... when I get threw the 4.5hrs of DVD I will post my thoughts...

[EJ333]

RikyRicardo nailed it. Your money is better spent on books. I have Howard's first 2 dvds. They are OK. They also come with a "Pre-Flop Strategy"chart. It's great for a beginner, but is a little too tight IMO.