Harrington on Holdem: Expert Strategy for No Limit Tournaments Review

February 21, 2009 by Nick Wealthall

Nick Wealthall

What is it?
This is actually a series of 3 quite weighty books looking at No limit tournaments. The first volume looks at playing fundamentals and the beginning and middle of tournaments. The second volume covers the end of tournaments where the money is won. The third volume is a workbook with tens of hands for you to “play through” yourselves with analysis from the great man.

These are some of the best selling books on tournament poker – but are they worth their great reputation?

What’s the content like?
First a word on the author – Dan Harrington has won more money at poker than me, or most people come to think of it. He’s been the world champ and has a string of tournament victories and great performances to his name. He’s known as ‘Action’ Dan Harrington; it’s an ironic name as he plays pretty tightly however many opponents are lulled into a false sense of security by this and he can still make big moves when he needs to, the old tyke.
In the books Dan takes you through most aspects of tournament play and does an admirable job of trying to cover everything. The chapters are clearly structured into different aspects of the game and usually end with some sample hands so you can see the lessons in effect.

How much will they help my game?
These books are very comprehensive and well thought through so it’ll be hard not to find things in them that’ll improve your play and most players will find a tonne. I found the third volume most useful as it walks you through lots of actual in depth playing examples. Though it depends how you learn as some of you may prefer the more structured lessons of the first two books. If you’re at the beginning or intermediate levels of the game these books will give you lots of information you need that you can actually use to make chips.

Any problems with the books?
For my tastes there isn’t enough about making bluffs and moves and combating players that do. Of course a lot of this is down to experience and judgment and the volumes make up for it by covering the fundamentals really well but I’d like to have seen more about the sneaky, naughty side of poker.
Also tournament poker has become more aggressive since the books were written especially before the flop. I think once you’ve mastered what’s covered here these you should go somewhere like Cardrunners or another online training site to take your game to the next level of aggression.

In summary…
These books are comprehensive, well written and contain great advice on tournament play.
I’d wouldn’t be keen on facing someone that had the content of these books down as they won’t give up many chips. I’d also be worried about facing Dan at the poker table – not in a running race though. I could definitely take him in a race.

Click Now To Buy Volume 1 From Amazon