[omar]

I am considering buying one of these books but am wondering if anyone feels that SS I is a prerequisite to SS II? I have scaned both books at the local B&N here and it appears that the books are very similar, with maybe a greater emphasis on NLHE and online poker in SS II. Is that accurate? Are there theories or some level of base info in SS I that needs to be understood prior to jumping into SS II?

Also, any other books that I should seriously consider? My home game is pretty much NLHE, but I would like to learn more about limit games as well as other games such as O8, stud, etc. Your comments are appreciated!

[pie taster]

I would not bother with SS1.

There is nothing in SS2 what requires you to read SS1. Unless you are interested in some old style games that aren't played too much, like 5 card draw.

In Doyle's section in SS2, he said he went through SS1 and basically said tha t most of the advice is relevant today, so little has changed in SS2 over SS1.

[omar]

Thanks pie. You've been very helpful over the past couple days.

[vrecksler]

SS was probably a great book when it came out (OK this is probably an understatement of monstrous proportions) in today's NLHE games I think it is not as useful as a resource as something like Harrington's books.

Doyle's SS basically says play ultra agressive; always bet and if someone raises you get all of your money in the pot until everyone is afraid to raise you. Play suited connecters because everyone else is coming into pots with big cards, and low cards are easy to toss if you miss the flop.

Yes, there is more in that book and if you are interested in other poker I have no doubt it will be a terrific book for you, but if you want something specific to NLHE then go with Harrington.

[pie taster]

Originally Posted by schmag

Yes, there is more in that book and if you are interested in other poker I have no doubt it will be a terrific book for you, but if you want something specific to NLHE then go with Harrington.

I would agree with everything schmag said about SS2. The other problem is that it is geared towards High Limit Games. It is still good and can help you think more aggressively in your playing style. And I would also recommend the Harrington book if you just wanted to read about NLHE.

But.... omahar stated he wanted to learn about strategies for other poker games as well. So I do think that SS2 maybe the best bet (no pun intended)

[R Deckard]

I was kind of dissappointed with SS2 because I expected new stuff from Doyle in his section, but he essentially just reprinted the same text from his section in SS1. So the only new stuff was that from the other collaborators, which seems to be fairly solid advice, but nothing revolutionary.

Also, Brunson's methods (as stated in the book, at least) seems to be more suited to high-stakes NL cash game play, where you play with regulars who can "get to know" (read, "become intimidated by") you, and where you can reach into your pocket for more money when your hyper-aggressive play runs into the nuts. In a tournament (which is where I expect most players these days are getting their NLHE fix), I think that the factors of limited funds and constant table/player switching make playing classic Brunson style of limited value.

Bottom line: get SS2, don't bother with SS1 (except for the nostalgia/history of it), but make sure to read Harrington before your next tournament (like I still need to do).