All you've ever wanted to know about the most practiced table sport in the world. History, legends, psychology, cheating, money, What are the seven golden rules? What does the terms "American Airlines" refer to? What is the Hickok rule? When was the first online poker room launched? With over 10 million players competing daily online, poker has become much more than a simple hobby gathering four friends around a table. Its rules may be simple, but the practice itself solicits a whole array of skills including technical mastery, the ability to anticipate and synthesize data, a dash of psychology, and of course, a whip of luck.. All with millions of dollars at stake! A true cultural phenomenon, poker allows each player to challenge the greatest champions and compete for outrageous earnings with just a minimal investment. This reference book invites you to delve into the annals of poker offering a narrative of its history and legendary players, a detailed analysis of the basic rules, along with the most astute tips, which only an expert such as the author--a teacher and consultant to professional players--can provide. All with a single aim of turning each reader into a winner! AUTHOR François Montmirel started playing poker in 1976 at the age of 13. He published his first manual to the game in 1984 and won his first international tournament in 1998. He won another in 2000 and is a three-time semi-finalist of the European Poker Championships. He has written, translated, and adapted over fifteen books on poker. He also is a consultant for Internet sites and teaches professional poker. ILLUSTRATIONS 200 illustrations OTHER flexibound in a card box slipcase