This informal collection of lore and advice on a wide range of poker games places emphasis on strategy. The author assumes that the reader has knowledge of basic poker rules and card values, but focuses on poker as it's played in a friendly home atmosphere, rather than high-stakes casino-style games. His book's overall purpose is to encourage players to temper the thrill of gambling with the spirit of social bonding that typifies the best "Thursday night poker evenings." Over the years, poker has evolved dozens of variations on the original five-card draw or seven-card stud. Readers will find the rules here for many of them, including Acey-Deucy, Auction, Chicago, Omaha, and Spit in the Ocean, to cite just a few. The book's eye-catching sidebar features include tips on:

• Bluffing fish and sandbagging friends
• Dealing with the math
• Deciding on house rules
• The biz of show . . . and more

Also offered is advice on what to learn first, rules and games to avoid, pot builders, and several other aspects of the game. Here's the authoritative poker reference, ideal for use among poker friends looking for fun and variety as they improve their game. 50 illustrations.