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Small Stakes Hold’em – Winning Big With Expert Play

By Ed Miller, David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth

This book claims to be “the definite guide to crushing loose games and amateur opponents,” and although my initial reaction was somewhat muted, my overall impression of the book is more positive.

There is a ton of good information contained within the 358 pages of material presented, some recommendations running contrary to the way many players might be playing the games they are speaking of (low limits). I found myself disagreeing a few times myself, but overall, I believe the advice is very sound, with few exceptions I will mention below.

I’d say the theme of this book is to provide the reader an “edge” as they capitalize on the mistakes of others (all the newcomers to the game). There are many ways to proceed and this book outlines a course of action to provide the player a “positive expectation.”

They advocate tight, aggressive and attacking style of play.

Let me quote from page 14:

"Small stakes hold'em games are notoriously loose. Some people seem to think they are too loose. "Nobody folds. It turns the game into a crapshoot. It's like playing bingo." The implication is that your opponents' ultra-loose play can somehow prevent your from winning in the long run, just as if you were playing craps or bingo.

This notion, of course, is absurd. Loose small stakes games are potentially the most profitable limit hold'em games available (in terms of bets won per hour). Skill is as important a factor in small stakes poker as it is at higher limits. People who equate poker to craps lose; not because the game is unbeatable, but because they make numerous mistakes.

Part of the problem is that they often do not view poker a gambling game. They view success in terms of pots won, not money won. Losing with pocket aces is a failure to them, even if they played theoretically correctly. If you want to become successful at hold'em, avoid taking this perspective."

Further on they state:

"We understand that it can be frustrating to watch big pot after big pot go to players who hit long shot draws against you. But, difficult as it may sometimes be, don't lose your cool. As long as you understand fundamental gambling concepts and make correct decisions, winning will be inevitable."

This book has some excellent "starting hands" charts, and of course the last 1/4 of the book are hand quizzes and good stuff to hammer home what I feel are good lessons.

On the negative side of the ledger, I believe the authors may tend to have you play a number of more hands that you will find uncomfortable to play (from your position, or draw), but they insist on making plays if you the player have any "edge." I would temper their enthusiasm a bit as you start out and just employ the not so tricky tactics.

Also I found counting outs (with ½ outs), a bit confusing in their presentation.

Overall, an excellent book to add to your library, I recommend its purchase.