Review of Bad Beats and Lucky Draws

Title:

Bad Beats and Lucky Draws

Author:

Phil Hellmuth Jr.

Publisher:

Harper Collins

Date:

2004

ISBN:

0-06-074083-3

Pages:

233

Price:

$14.95

Reviewed by Nick Christenson, npc@jetcafe.org

July 21, 2010

Phil Hellmuth is one of the most polarizing figures in poker. On the one hand, his accomplishments speak for themselves. He is in the upper echelon of tournament poker players, has accomplishments too numerous to name, and has done a superb job of turning himself into a valuable poker brand. On the other hand, he is a textbook narcissist and has received repeated criticism for his boorish behavior at the poker table. Which Phil Hellmuth is represented in the book, Bad Beats and Lucky Draws?

Bad Beats and Lucky Draws recounts a collection of poker hands. Most were played by Hellmuth, although several were contributed by some of the author's fellow poker celebrities, and a few have been provided by some of Hellmuth's friends from his early poker days in Madison, Wisconsin. This is not a strategy book, it's intended as entertainment. Nonetheless, the author provides commentary on some of these hands, so the book isn't completely devoid of strategic content.

The book is clear and well written. The style is conversational and easy to read while still being precise and thorough. Of the books I've read of this style, this one is well above average in writing quality. It's pleasant for even a writing snob like myself to read through.

In my opinion, Phil Hellmuth is one of the better poker hand commentators out there. His analysis rarely misses anything I think is fundamental, and is often insightful. So, I'm willing to read what he has to say about poker hands.

At the same time, I believe that Hellmuth has a blind spot when it comes to results. That is, he often over weights outcomes in evaluating decisions. There are a number of hands where he makes a move with a slight edge, loses, and then laments the fact that he didn't wait for a better spot. What I didn't find were a commensurate number of "woe is me" stories when he makes the same move and his hand holds up. Sure, in a tournament when the money matters where these situations change, but in the same situation, making a play with a small edge is either always right or always wrong. Of course, Hellmuth has a bunch of televised tournament victories and I have none, so if someone tends to side with the author, I doubt I'll have much to show for my counter argument.

There probably won't be a lot of people going into this book who don't already have a strong opinion of Phil Hellmuth. Those who admire him will want to hear his stories and will likely appreciate his insight into poker situations. Those who can't stand him won't. The bottom line is that there's nothing in this book that's likely to change anyone's mind on the issue.

That said, I expect the "Hellmuth haters" might enjoy this book a little more than they expect. He doesn't belabor some of his more controversial strategic ideas, and even with the amount of time that has passed since the initial publication of Bad Beats and Lucky Draws, a surprising number of the stories still seem fresh to me. I recommend the book for those seeking a collection of Phil Hellmuth poker stories. I don't expect those who aren't fans of the "Poker Brat" to ever regret not reading the book, although they might not find it to be as bad as they might imagine. It's no classic, but I liked it for what it was.

Capsule:

Bad Beats and Lucky Draws is a collection of poker hand stories from poker celebrity Phil Hellmuth, with all the benefit and baggage that he brings with him. This is an entertainment book rather than a strategic book. It does contain some of Hellmuth's poker wisdom, but not enough to make the book worthwhile for just that purpose. The book is quite well written, and I found the stories at least somewhat interesting. I doubt this book will change anyone's mind about the author, but I think Hellmuth's fans will enjoy this book, and I expect that even some of his milder critics might find it to be a pleasant diversion.