The Dark Side of the Felt

If I could give this book 3.5 stars I would, but I refuse to contribute to its already bloated Goodreads score by rounding up to four.

This is an entertaining book. There are times Tyler Nals makes some astute and hilarious observations. That said, it roams far too often. Nals goes off on tangents almost as often as he gives horrible poker advice.

It is clear Nals knows a thing or two about poker. He gives some great pointers, but as someone who has been a professional poker player since age 18 (I’m 27 now) I laughed heartily at some of the things he said:

“Unfortunately, the only way to become a great poker player is to lose money playing for between five and seven years.”

This is remarkably off. Most professional poker players have a study period of around 1-2 years. I’m considered an extremely slow learner because it took from ages 15 to 18.

“You chose a life that has surrounded you with losers and degenerates. Therefore, that’s what you have become. It’s about the company you keep.” Many poker players are professionals in other fields who can afford to lose the money they choose to gamble with. Most presidents in the United States were card players. You really have to be deep in the worst games on Earth for someone to make this statement.

(On the topic of table selection.) “What table has huge pots?

Don’t choose that table.” The table where money is flowing is usually the EXACT table you want.

“Blake, knew the same secret about the 3/6 Limit Game. He played three times per week and probably averaged about + $300 per session.” There is no chance anyone is making 50 big bets per session reliably from a limit poker game.

“As much as I wanted to explain to these people that I was hustled, not beaten…” Psst…Tyler…being hustled is being beaten.