Poker Nation, by Andy Bellin
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Occasionally, a book slips through the reviewing net only to be plucked from the shelves several years later and prove so compelling it demands belated recognition. Thus it is with 'Poker Nation', whose only fault is that it should be twice as long.
It details the life and times of Andy Bellin, "a failed astrophysicist" in the words of his father, who became a semi-pro poker player in New York, Las Vegas and points west, and is in turns a confession, "how to" manual, lexicon and rollicking yarn, shot through with a full house of memorable characters and anecdotes. An excellent player who by his own admission is one rung below true greatness, Bellin achieves the difficult feat of portraying his world in all its sticky-carpeted, sudorific squalor, while at the same time making it sound heart-thumpingly gripping and glamorous.
But before getting out the credit card and heading for some heavy action of your own, just reflect – you are by no means the only person to have read this classic.
Published by Yellow Jersey Press in paperback, £8.99
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments