Doyle Brunson's Super System: A Course in Power Poker

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When this was first published in the seventies it caused a sensation. Immediately recognized as the most ambitious poker book ever written, it nonetheless was received with irritation by some professionals because it was believed that Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson and his collaborators gave away too much, thereby allowing the amateurs to catch up, thereby cutting into the professional player's take.

There is more than a little truth to this accusation. Poker is an ever-evolving superset of games with the individual games changing over time as the players learn how one game and then another should be played. Write a revealing book and the old games disappear more quickly and the "rocks" have to learn the new game in order to continue to make a living. Today's most important games are hold'em and seven card stud. Both are covered in this book, hold'em quite extensively.

What sets Brunson's Super/System apart from other poker books is first the prestige and celebrity of the writers, especially Doyle himself, but also Bobby Baldwin (also a World Champion); David "Chip" Reese, Doyle's expert on seven-card stud; Joey Hawthorne on Low-Ball; David Sklanski on Hi-Low; and Mike Caro (MJC) on draw poker. I used to play with Sklanski and MJC back in the sixties in Gardena when the only legal game in the California clubs was draw poker, both lowball and jacks or better. Sklanski has gone on to be one of the game's great theoreticians and the author of several excellent books on poker. Caro, known as "the Mad Genius of Poker," has formed his own "Poker University" and is partly responsible for this book's republication, and has become quite a poker entrepreneur.

Second, there is the comprehensive coverage of the games from five card draw to no limit hold'em. Not everything is explained and some of the tricks are held back. Reese in particular, in his chapter on seven-card stud is somewhat reticent. He presents a tight strategy that is sound but withholds more aggressive strategies that, in the proper hands, would make more money.

By the way, "no limit" really means table stakes since you are NOT, as is sometimes seen in the movies, allowed to go to the bank and get some money when you hold a killer hand! In fact, no limit is really no different than pot limit expect that instead of being restricted to the amount of the pot when betting, one can, if one so chooses, push in one's entire stack. THAT does make for some interesting psychological situations! One of Doyle Brunson's main points in this book is the huge difference between set limit poker as played in the clubs and indeed as played for the so-called world championship, and no limit poker as played by the rich and the top professionals. The latter game is much more of a psychological game in that you can lose pot after small pot and yet come out ahead by winning one great big monster, and also because it takes a lot of nerve to either call a huge bet or to make a huge bet. Furthermore as you're playing along you have to be aware that at any moment the pot can suddenly mushroom to gigantic proportions. Because of these psychological factors, some of the top players at limit have never been able to make a satisfactory jump to the no limit game. In Brunson's case, he actually was adept at no limit long before he became a top limit player.

Third, there are the brilliant caricatures of the players by Stan Hunt. Just to see those again in print is worth the price of the book.

Fourth are the poker odds and statistics by Mike Caro. Believe me they are completely accurate. I and a number of others players checked and rechecked them, hoping to catch MJC in an error. No such luck! I was a little disappointed that Mike chose to recall an odds story that showed him in the right, because I, among a very small number of people, actually did beat him out of a twenty dollar bet in the sixties on some odds we were discussing. Of course Mike would "give away" money just to support his carefully cultivated image as a "madman." One of his most notorious "plays" at draw was to pretend to have a pat hand, raise the opener, and then not bet after the draw and just show down his nothing hand, thereby giving away the pot. I mean eyebrows raised and heads shook incomprehensibly at this totally "irrational" play. Yet it worked because people then would call him when he really had something.

Caro was also an expert on poker tells. He wrote a book on the subject. He would, when playing, do parodies of the other players by betting and acting as they would in an exaggerated way. Sometimes he actually did unconscious parodies of himself.

Doyle Brunson on the other hand loved the psychological struggle and just being in action. In his prime he was arguably the world's best player at both limit and no limit hold'em. He had nerves of steel and an intensely competitive nature and a deep obsessive love of the game. He overpowered his opponents with a constant energy that was always, always pushing. He had a few tricks and his knowledge of the game was among the best, but perhaps his greatest gift was his ability to bet when he knew the other guy would toss in.

What you can learn from this book about poker is really almost priceless. Even though this book is definitely dated (and today's stars are a different breed) nonetheless there is wealth of information here for the casual as well as the professional player. This is, in my opinion, still the best how-to book on poker ever written.

Brunson & Co. wrote this book in the mid 1970s and if your interest in poker as a game with a very rich and colourful history is anything like mine its well worth buying. The chapters where Brunson talks about his past are great background to understanding one of the all-time great champions.

As for the lessons in this post-graduate school of poker, some really are of historical value only. I suppose Caro's lecture on Draw might be of use in home games but Skalansky's on hi-lo has been out-flanked by time - the qualifier did for it. Baldwin's chapter on limit hold'em is also of no value - not only has the game changed (they used to play it with a single blind and antes from every player - to make things easier and quicker in casinos they changed to the big & little blind structure) but there are five or so more books that today to a better job.

Two chapters retain value. Firstly, and often overlooked, is Chip Reese's chapter on Seven Card Stud. Its not particularly profound and I feel Chip gives away less than the others, but its still a very good starting place. Seven Card Stud hasn't changed much since the 1930s so this chapter retains value.

But the the real gem is Brunson's own chapter on no limit Hold'em. Its extremely interesting and given the greater freedom no limit gives the change in the game structure matters less. No limit is not a war of fine percentages like limit, it is a game of great psychological violence. Brunson's system is VERY aggressive. I think very few people would feel so comfortable playing so many connectors out of position in no limit games so they can stage all-in bluffs. You would need to be up against a very timid rock garden to play just as Brunson says. But it remains, undisputedly, the best guide to no limit cash games (but not tournaments - see Cloutier and McEvoy).

Buy it. You'll thank me.

I fail to understand why this book gets such high ratings from modern poker players. The majority of the book is out of date. The holdem section is out of date. The high/low split section describes an out of date game (no qualifier for low). There is a section on draw poker which is played at no casinos, along with a section on deuce to seven lowball draw (a game which is rarely if ever spread at casinos).

The majority of praise for this book is for Doyle Brunson's no limit holdem section. In this section Doyle discusses playing no limit holdem in games with $20,000 buy-ins. This stuff is fun to read but let's face it, most people are going to be starting out in games with 50 to 200 buy ins. Still, Brunson does give the reader a substantial education in playing no limit holdem.

By far the biggest game at every casino in the country is limit holdem. No limit tourneys are also popular in big poker markets and online. I fail to understand why anyone interested in playing and improving at poker would buy anything other than limit holdem or tournament holdem texts.

If you want to get good at poker, buy a well-reviewed book at the stakes and game that you desire to play. Poker is hard enough to master without trying to read a book full of dead poker forms.

Although it may have not sounded like it from my review, I did enjoy reading this book. The top players have many interesting comments and the Mike Caro section on draw is highly amusing at times. Unfortunately, as I stated earlier draw is not played at casinos or online these days. Pick this book up as an addition to your poker library, but this book is not going to be the predominant text in your poker library.

This is the bible (small b) of poker. This was the very first book I read before I ever started playing and I am so thankful I did. And yet, it's not directed at the absolute beginner, necessarily. It's directed at anyone who wants to raise their skill level (with lots of work) to a pro-like level.

A beginner can follow along without trouble and master this book. I did. But one who's played for years REALLY has a chance to shine here. Why not just master and do what the pros do? You will learn that here.

I assure you that 99% of all players you ever play with will NOT have mastered this book. If you do, you will win over time. Oh sure, many will OWN this book, but it will sit in their shelf. Becuase to become good, you must become skilled. Toss luck out the window, luck is for chumps. (Losing chumps.)

The answer to life-long winning (unless you play aganst Doyle or Mike Caro!) is mastering these guys here. Most players will never get this book. Most of those who do will never read it. Most who read it will never master it. That leaves a very small winner's circle waiting for you to step in if you dedicate the time you need to spend. Are you willing? If you don't wish to master the concepts in this book, then I sure would like to play against you some time in a little parlor game of high stakes poker...!

This is one of my favorite poker books of all time, however, not necessarily for its strategic value. Granted, each and every section of this book has some very valuable insights from odds, to game theory, to various ways to approach different hands. With that said, what I find particularly noteworthy are the little details and anecdotes from Brunson Himself. From Broomcorns unkle to Old Blocky and the Beer Hand, it's the details and Doyles obvious passion for the game that really make this book a standout.

However, as I would advise the book only to advanced players with significant experience and the desire to vary their play. The authors system really only works for a super agressive player who is not only extremely talented, but very disciplined. Not many people can emulate this style, and most who try WILL LOSE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF MONEY!!!

With that said, at this price (I bought the hardcover version long ago for $50+), you really can't lose. It's a great addition to any poker library.

I would say this: If you don't read and learn this book's strategy and theory regarding no limit hold'em, you are missing something at the table. Yes, the lowball sections and some of the others are outdated because those games have changed or disappeared entirely. However, the no-limit holdem sections, and especially Brunson's own, are still bible.

I'm a 19 year old college student and considered myself a good hold'em player. Then i heard about this book and decided to read it. Since then, i've been winning over $1000/semester. People may say this book is outdated, but i don't care this is the best book i've read so far (out of 5). Do not do what this book says to the T, use what it teaches and mold your game from it... Books are simply roadmaps, but you are the driver. The knowledge i have learned from this book set my basic roadmap of how to play hold'em, and i feel I have made myself an incredible strategy that branches off, this is simply a must read...

If you are looking for a quick way to improve your poker skills, this book is not for you. It is not in any hurry to give you a valuable advice on every page and the advice you do get is outdated. You will probably learn more from any good modern book, and it also will be shorter by a factor of three or more.

Still, it is a great (and very thorough) look at poker the way it was 20 years ago, before poker literature really made its impact on the game. If you are a true poker aficionado, you might want to check it out.

This is THE poker book. This is the most respected poker book of poker professionals, and is considered the poker player's bible. The above review mentioned that the book is 'out of date'. Sorry, but I disagree.

I bought the Super System with my very first poker earnings. I was doing fairly well for myself, but I realized that there I wasn't very knowlegeable and that I had no method or approach to poker, and hold'em in specific.
I read the hold'em section of the Super System several times. It helped me immensely and improved my game (and my winnings.) The Super System, however, is not a system. It is a variety of loosely connected thoughts, observations, plays, advice, and reminiscences. Doyle Brunson gives you all the knowledge he accrued over years of poker in a few hundred pages, but it is written and organized poorly.
The statistics and advice are immensely helpful. If you read through the book and collate all that he says, you could use his advice to make a very good system yourself. Just don't expect too much from the book on the first reading.

The importance of this book is certainly decreasing as the years go by. This fact can be clearly seen by the fact that it used to be a nice hardcover book that sold new for $50 and is now a paperback edition in the $30s.

The fact is that Caro's tables and calculations, once the pride of the book, are now either common knowledge or available for free on lots of websites, including Mike Caro's. There's a lot of players that can tell you that they are a 2/1 dog after the flop to make their four-flush without really being able to give credit to Caro for popularizing that idea... and to be honest, a lot of them probably aren't even sure what that means, but that's another story.

Brunson's chapter on No-Limit is an interesting companion to T.J.'s books since they really teach a different philosophy and style of play. T.J. really preaches the idea of patience and waiting for the right opportunity to make a move; Brunson is all about attack. Poker, like most things, goes in cycles and while T.J. has won his fair share of advocates and disciples (not to mention tournaments), a new breed of brash young attacking players (I'm looking at you, Phil Ivey) owe a certain amount of gratitude to Brunson's style of play.

It's a good book, but not a great one anymore. It still has a lot of great ideas in it, including Doyle's philosophy on betting in No-Limit, but the rest of the world has caught up, and that includes the players and the authors. The real danger is in people reading the book too soon and either not getting anything out of it or learning the wrong lessons from it. I certainly couldn't recommend this to be the first book for a beginning poker player to read, but maybe as something to read after playing for 6-12 months and after having learned some advanced lessons and ideas already. (But then again, I also think that most players could get away with not reading it at all given all the literature that's out there, but it's still interesting from a historical reference point if nothing else.)

During the years I have red about 10 books about Hold'em but must admit Doyle Brunson's chapter in Super System is still simply the best. You won't need much more to start with No Limit Hold'em than this. Other books are more or less just repetition of this one.

Muslims have the Koran, Christians have the Bible, and poker players have Super System. I simply CANNOT believe that this book is so inexpensive! With all the overpriced books out there, here is one that is actually MUCH lower in price than it should be.

Everyone who is anyone in the poker world has studied Super System. Does that say enough about it?

I can't even begin to say enough good things about this book. I concentrate on playing texas hold em, which is only one of the many games covered in this book. While this book is nearly three decades old, its contents are invaluable. My game has improved ten fold. Since reading it I have been on a constant winning swing. You can learn many valuable tips with this book that will help you win more money and lose minimal amounts when the luck is against you. I recommend this book to ANY serious poker player. It's a must have. They call it the Poker Bible for a reason. GET IT.

Bought Super I & II because I was told there were major updates in II. That is simply not the case, at least for the No-Limit Hold-Em chapter, which, let's face it, is why most people (myself included) buy these books in the first place. I'm not knocking the books themselves, far from it, there's very good knowledge in both, but it is largely duplicative. So, my free advice is buy I or II, but not both. (If pressed, I'd pick II.)

A few years ago while sitting at home sick, I happened to turn on ESPN and saw a no-limit hold'em game. I believe it was a head's up game between humberto brenes and erik seidel. Nonetheless, after watching the two battle for an hour, I was hooked. I talked to a friend who I knew played poker the next day and he told me to read this book super system by Doyle Brunson. I tried reading through the sections, but couldn't take in much of it simply because I didn't understand all that went into the game. Soon after, I proceeded to start playing 2/4 and 3/6 hold'em at a local casino. I spent the next year losing 90% of the time. It was after that year that I re-read super system and truly began to appreciate all the knowledge it offered. I never once thought about tells, about positioning and how it related to raising and calling, or simply what constituted a playable hand from a horrible hand from a great hand. After I had re-read the book, I had a firm grasp on the game and began to win consistently. Sometimes a mere $40 or $50, sometimes hundreds. Buy this book, play a little on your own for very low stakes and then read whatever section it is that interests you. If you have an interest in poker, my experience with myself and others suggests this is the best way to go about learning the game effectively.

Well I guess all serious poker players must read this book. I love "Texas Dolly" but his chapter on "no limit" really messed up my game. Very few people can play like he suggests. He did sell over 300K of the books at $100 when it first came out. I'm sure many more have been sold now that poker has become so popular. I think he has made much more $ on the two books than he ever made playing poker. Better books about "no limit" poker are Dan Harringtons books (2) and T.J. Cloutiers "No Limit & Pot Limit Hold'EM" just to name a few. "Stone Cold" by Pete Hautman" 1952 is a haunting story of a young poker player I really enjoyed reading.

If I would make a list of top needed books for a Hold'em pro, this one surely goes into the first three. And it is very enjoyable. Add Slansky's 'Hold'em Poker For Advanced Players' and Barboianu's 'Texas Hold'em Odds' for full coverage on odds and math and you will have all you need to know for winning. The rest is practice and patience.

I must admit..I was surprised. I have read many poker books. I started with Lee jones and then moved on to sklansky books...so I was always biased towards sklansky (even though he writes like a caveman). So I was hesitant to read Super System - since I viewed it as an old time book that was groundbreaking for its day but probably not as useful for me. However, I finally broke down and read it because I do play a lot of poker, run a message board about poker and sell this book through some business ventures that I have...so I thought I should at least be familiar with its contents. Well - I must say that I was thouroughly impressed. This book has a lot of use for seasoned poker players and would recommend that you dont shy away from it just because it may be a little dusty.

I have studied Sklansky, Malmuth, and Lederer and they all have the same philosohpy (Bet Good Cards, Fold Bad Ones) I followed this strategy in the beginning and found myself lasting longer in holdem games but not comming in 1st (Big Money). UNTIL I bought this book. (Brunson's that is) I read the chapter on no Limit Holdem and went into the next holdem meetup and blew everyone away. And finally finished first. I love this book because it will have you playing a strategy that will frusterate you opponents to where they will not know what hitem

Poker any one? read this book and you will find yourself in the poker hand drivers seat. Pokers like driving a car, you have to know when to put on the brakes and know when to pour on the gas. After reading Doyles Brunson's book you have just completed the driving school of poker and your tank is on full, now its up to you, have a good drive. Larry Hobson Author " The Day Of The Rose"

The No Limit Holdem section, the only part written by Brunson, is excellent. I wasn't impressed by the other sections. They applied to games which are not widely played today (5 draw with a joker, 7 hi-lo without a qualifier or declare, razz, 2 to 7 lowball). I didn't care for the limit holdem section either.

But Brunson's concepts changed me from a tight, predictable player into a much more dangerous animal. If you play NL tournaments, you'll find this book money well spent.

I read Super-System then went to apply it in modern day poker...and it doesnt work that well. Please keep in mind the Texas Dolly won these tournaments in 77'78...a long, long time ago. Most of these stratigies are no longer helpful, and his philsophy is bet>bet>bet>, a tight aggressive player can pick up on this in no time and have you wondering where your money went to. the texas dolly hasnt done so well in recent tournaments because, his stratigie is out-dated and easy to read. Although there are some helpful tips in this book, i would not recommend this book #1..

Considered by many to be the bible of poker, Doyle Brunson's Super System is filled with great information and strategy for most games of poker. Written by the best in their field-or game-they help give beginners a full view of the game.

This is a great book for the player new to the game who feels they want to take the first steps to developing their game. My suggestion is to select a specific poker game and focus on that one for a length of time. Most of the concepts are universal but there is a difference in some strategies between the games.

If you are serious about advancing your poker skills pick up this book. I feel that it is the best bang for the buck.

On a different note, I am a Hold'em player. This book is good for learning the basics of both Limit and No-Limit. Because of the popularity of Hold'em, I believe there are many other books that focus on Hold'em specifically that are better to advance your skills as a ring game Hold'em player.

We live in a society where everything has to be the latest model, and where the new is always considered superior to the old. However, Super System is a prime example of seventies technology outperforming the recent releases of the twenty-first century. I read the book all the way through simply due to my curiosity about poker. Personally though, Hold 'Em's the only game that I play, so I have reread the 165 pages concerning it over four times thus far; which is quite a statement considering that I bought it in September of 2004. Both chapters on Hold 'Em are excellent. The Limit one was written by Bobby Baldwin, and the No Limit one was written by Lord Doyle himself.

I have to say, despite all the flash and flair exuded by today's hip players, if there was only one pro I could meet, it would definitely have to be Doyle Brunson. I admire his story and also treasure the advice he issues on tactics and strategy.

I'm sorry that Doyle had to change his style due to the publication of Super System, but I am very grateful that he wrote the book. Studying his suggestions have helped me become a more aggressive and stronger player. I was a rock for too long. I think that you'll continuously be saying to yourself as you peruse it, "Yes, yes, that'll work." It really will.

Overall, even if you're not interested in draw, stud, lowball, or high-low split, Doyle's autobiographical essay, and his general poker strategy are must reads. This volume retailed for 100 bucks twenty-six years ago, and, for less than 20 dollars a copy, it's a steal.

All common knowledge. First 100 plus pages is a bio. Who cares. Then teaches about position. (common knowl.)Out of 672 pages maybe ten pages worth looking at. Waste of money. Few tips no tricks couple from Caro, but thats it. Brunson plays any cards at any time. No method to the madness constantly goes all in. I personally learned little. My book is on ebay.

Texas Dolly takes you into the psychology of a professional poker player. You will discover that, unlike blackjack or slots or any of the other casino games where it is you versus the house, poker is a game of personalities. In other words, it is how well you can "read" the other players and win the big pots. I learned a lot from this poker legend.

This is THEE Poker book to purchase. Pratically all poker books today are perhaps descended from this mammoth of a book. The real gems are the chapers on Limit and NL hold'em, classics in their own right. But perhaps the most overlooked chapter is Reese's chapter on 7-stud. It's not to long, and I feel Reese could have explained even more, but this chapter itself is worth more than many 7 stud books out there.

Get this book!!! Reading and absorbing it will put you on a plateau above players who have never heard of this book. Seriously, play your style now, then read Super/System, and you will wonder why you were ignorant enough to play hands that off the flop will almost always draw dead. Read it, and your game jitters will go down, because Super System will give you immeasureable confidence at any poker table.

as you have probably picked up from other readers here, this is *the* seminal poker work of the 20th century. a book so powerful and far reaching that mr. doyle himself later said he wished he'd never written it and believes the book has cost him more on the poker tables than he's made in author payments.

the hold `em information is certainly what this book is known for and it's not worth me covering the same ground that others have except to say that the style recommended here is *so* aggressive that mr. doyle has actually had to modify his play and no longer plays in the manner he describes here himself.

but what might be interesting are some of the other (mostly unmentioned) aspects of the book:

chip reese continually gets overlooked by internet wags (mostly because they only parrot the names of people they see on the "world poker tour," but ignore all others) although it's very possible (if not likely) that he's the best practical poker player found in these pages (he's certainly the biggest stakes player). his 7-card stud section remains the definitive piece on the topic and i've never read anything that has come close to what he has here. my only wish is that his section was about 60% longer.

this book tapped mike caro for 5-card draw and in doing so started the long trail that eventually made him a poker-household name. if you're a fan of mr. caro, you'll find his chapter interesting because you get to see the "mad genius" in his larval (not to mention, hirsute) form.

also of note is david sklansky's 7-card stud high/low split writing. mr. sklansky was more interested in stud in his early days, but the up-sweep of hold `em has caused his attention to be drawn away. you could read his advice, learn it verbatim, and chew people alive on h/l `net games, even today.

so it's true that some of the information is more historically interesting than applicable today (e.g. the blind structure of hold `em having changed), but the history of poker - even theoretical history - is worth knowing and learning. the vast majority of serious players, especially older ones, have read this text and most probably still use it ... if you're going to beat your opponent, you need to know how they think, and howEVER they think almost certainly starts somewhere in this tome.

as i write this, if you buy "super system" (formerly called "super/system," but they dropped the "/"), you can get my book ("winning at internet poker for dummies") bundled for $11 more - that's an astoundingly good price for my text and just a few cents above my author discount rate from wiley. w.a.i.p.f.d. has almost no overlap with "super system," and what you learn in s.s. you could apply directly to the w.a.i.p.f.d.'s world. it's a great pairing and one we're very fortunate to have. my advice would be to jump on it, and although you'd expect me to say that, it doesn't make it any less of a spectacular deal.

thanks for reading.

As a player who can play all 3 major games, Omaha, Holdem and Stud I think I can give a bettter perspective than most. Also as a succesful Tourney player I believe I can better comment than most. Firstly I agree a lot of chapters and stats are obsolete. However the chapters on stud and Holdem are as good as any currently out there (Overall). Yes not as good as specialised books on low limit (lee Jones)or Advanced play (Caveman Sklansky)but all round they are very good. If you go on to other books you will see recurring themes from Super system. I disagree with most writers on the No Limit Section. Pounding away these days does not work as well. Also pro bluffing fails as you would have seen in the 2004 WSOP. I believe knowledge of the odds and better tournament strategy has rendered this chapter necessary reading but obsolete. Look how Men the Master was knocked out of the WSOP. AA v a flush draw, the internet player realised If I catch the flush I can can get to a certain chip level (Also outs mentality). Its probably better to take chances and finish 80th than blind off at 240th.
Rather I prefer the TJ method of tight and Agressive play (Perhaps Howard is a prime example). I belive today that TJ is a more succesful tourney player than Doyle. However there is a new breed of player, they accept the Agressive play of Doyle but also gear their play so that at the appropriate time they are tight almost passive. Probably Action Dan Harrington is this type of Player Danial and JJ too. Please buy the book but understand its good for beginners in stud and Holdem and a good historical read.Hopefully Supersystm 2 will be available soon at Amazon.

If you're a poker player and you haven't read this book then just remember, all the other players around you have. It's a great book particularly Chip Reese's section on stud. The classic chapter, Doyle's No Limit musings is also a must read for serious players. However, a few things should be noted by any reader not wanting to lose half their bankroll in the first hour after digesting the material. 1. Doyle is famous for his uncanny reading ability. When he talks about being willing to "take the worst hand sometimes" he doesn't mean that you should just start pushing all in any time you flop a gut shot draw. 2. For his whole adult life he's played in the highest stakes games on Earth. Many of the concepts about aggression only apply if your opponenets are willing to fold certain hands. In uber Low Limit poker with unskilled fish abound it's extremely difficult to apply Doyle's concepts. 3. The game has changed alot since
Doyle's day when most pro's considered pocket queens to be "a small pair". In other words relating to #2 on my list, semi bluffing as he teaches it is a much trickier art than it used to be. Although this is a great book, ultimately it will only help you if learn how to read players and not just words.

For No Limit fans/players in particular, Doyle's chapter alone is worth many, many times the cost of the entire book - it was his total style, and one that made him a monster player. The style is a little dated now, but it's heart is still in the right place... aggressive poker is still winning poker.

I love Chip Reese's 7-Stud chapter, which may be an even better work for that game. Mike Caro has a good 5-Card chapter as well, even if the game is about dead these days. If you're one of the TV generation players looking to expand out from Hold'em, pick up this and Super System 2.

Simply known as the "bible" of texas hold'em poker, this book must've been read by all of the professional poker players that you see on tv nowadays. The basics that it covers is fundamentally sound and the added nuance and commentary provided by legendary poker player Doyle Brunson may seem trivial but once you play the game regularly and encounter those situations, you will have a new appreciation of the finer points of this great book.

As most of you all know, the game of poker has become exceedingly popular over the last few years with the national coverage on ESPN fueling the demand for more insight into this complicated and addictive game. The strategies outlined in this book was written in another era where poker was played in back allies and smoky rooms. With the influx of players of all nationalities comes the high variance in style of play and "skill level". Like Brunson says, there is no concrete way to way for there is much intuition and instinct involved in this game that only comes with experience. The more aggressive and high risk players have hampered the effectiveness of some of the strategies mentioned in the book.

However, with all that said, this is still a must read because it contains much more than technical information and statistics. It gives you a feel of the game from a person who's been playing it and playing it WELL for all of his life.

Super system came on the sceen in 1978 under the original title: "How I made over $1,000,000 Playing Poker and has been known as the Poker Bible ever since. There is good reason for this, while other poker books taught the rules of poker, and general starting requirements, Super System introduced many to the art of outplaying, odds, and flat out stealing and back alley mugging anyone who had the nerve to sit down at "your" table. Nothing like Super System was even close prior to its publishing and there have been very few poker books since that have been so influential to poker players.

Super System 2 was released in mid-2005. While much of the information is the same, Super System 2 updates with some of today's popular games. Some key updates are the Online Poker section, tournament sections, and Omaha sections. The biggest disappointment to me was that the No Limit Holdem section is virtually identical to the 1978 version. I would have like to see this updated. Some people have complained that the Online Poker section is just one big advertisement for Doylesroom.com. I look at it this way, they had to use a site for illustrations so why not? I enjoyed this section as it will help online poker in the long run. Plus there are some very solid advice that apply to online gaming!

Super System and Super System 2 are broken up into game sections. Doyle hand selected the authors of each section. My favorite section in both 1 and 2 are the Limit Holdem sections. Bobby Baldwin wrote the Limit Holdem section in 1978 and it was THE most important peice of poker literature I have ever read. Jennifer Harman wrote the Super System 2 Limit Holdem section and it is clearly the best section in the new version in my opinion.

Super System is not a beginner's book and the lessons taught should not be used against bad players because they simply do not apply. These are semi-advanced concepts and require a good knowledge of the games and should be used with caution.

The Original Super System contains game sections by the following:
Draw Poker - Mike Caro
7 stud - Chip Reese
Lowball (A-5, 2-7, Razz) - Joey Hawthorne
High-Low Split - David Sklansky
Limit Holdem - Bobby Baldwin
No Limit Holdem - Doyle Brunson

Super System 2 contains the game sections by the following:
Online Poker - Doyle Brunson
Limit Holdem - Jennifer Harman
Omaha 8 or better - Bobby Baldwin
7 stud High Low 8 or better - Todd Brunson
Pot Limit Omaha - Lyle Berman
Triple Draw - Daniel Negreanu
No Limit Holdem - Doyle Brunson
Tournament Overview - Doyle Brunson

Finally, both Super System 1 and 2 are fanatasic books and should be in your poker library. If you only had the choice of buying the original or Super System 2 then I would suggest Super System 2 as it addresses today's more popular games, besides how many times do you plan to play 5 card draw online?

At the time of its publication it was a cutting edge book which was the best of its time. I believe Doyle Brunson is an extremely talented poker, however for today's player I feel that the book is of little use to the serious player. The information it contains is usefull, now just more commonly known. The reason for its importance at the time of its publication was the many charts showing statistics which had not before been this well organized. Nowadays all of these charts are available on the internet and easily accessable. I think it is worth reading only for the history behind it. As far as learning from it I feel you can find all of the usefull information on the internet. Read it only for the history and incite of one of poker's best.

This is the only Poker book you need. It's got it all, written by the Grand Master of Texas Hold-em. It gives you easy-to-remember ideas and methods. It's an easy read compared to most other Poker books, and the stuff they tell you to do REALLY WORKS!!

If you want to invest in a poker book that will teach you how to read opponents like a book, this is the book you are looking for. These are the most valuable 600 pages that I have ever read on just about every type of prominant poker in the world. Super System teaches you every angle of the poker. And although, I have never met him and never will, I thank Mike Caro for the incredible statistics in this book.

This is my favorite poker book of all time. It has alot of insights from odds, to game theory, to various ways to approach different hands. I would advise the book only to advanced players with significant experience and the desire to vary their play. The authors system really only works for a super agressive player who is not only extremely talented, but very disciplined. Not many people can emulate this style, and most who try will lose massive amounts of money!!! I Hope This Helps.

Yeah, the section on no-limit hold-em still has some value (although so many books published since, cover the same ground). All the other material in the book is fun, but just about worthless in the modern game of poker. Get a more updated poker book, there are zillions on them. Many of which cover the same material, but little nuggets of useful info can be gathered from each and help you evolve into a solid complete player. In other words, buy several poker books. There is no "one" poker bible as some say there is.

This book was written quite some time back by the who's who of Poker. When it first came out it was definitely THE book of Poker, since there were hardly any around.

Since then, however, there are many many more books on Poker that are much better for the beginning-intermediate player to read, and which are much more reader friendly and which help an amateur improve his game. For instance, Small Stakes Hold'em by Ed Miller et al and Harrington on Hold'em take crucial concepts in Poker and explain them in depth and with multiple examples. This makes the concepts much easier to absorb for the person who is reading them for the first time.

S/S however tries to cram tonnes of material into its pages, and there's only so much a poker genius can do to teach his reader while only having 50-100 pages to expound on his material. Also, much of the material is too complex for the amateur player to absorb, let alone integrate into his game.

If you are still learning the ins and outs of poker (which is the vast majority of you reading this review), you are better off spending your hard earned money on other poker books aimed towards proper pedagogy of the subject.

S/S is for those who are very experienced in the game who are looking to push their game into the higher echalons.

The holy grail of poker books. Doyle widely considered the greatest poker player published this book in 1979 and it's still relevant in everyway possible. If you are starting out, get this book! You'll see things and approach the game in a way you wouldn't imagine until you read this. Veterans read it, then read it again. It's really impossible to carry his play over into the online poker world, but learn the concepts that Doyle preaches (even if you can't play as aggressive as the great Doyle) and you'll be a better player when you're done with this book

This is the book, you do not need to buy anything else. It was written 25 years ago but your game is going to change forever. I bougth some others books like Ken Warren Teaches Texas Hold'em and Hold'Em Poker for Advanced Players but I think I wasted my money. The part about Texas Hold'em is brillant but all book is very well written.

I just purchased this book and have applied the no limit holdem part to our games that my associates and I play. I have won every time and they are scared of me when I bet. Great Book. It paid for itself.

My favorite thing about this book is Doyle's conversational style. He seems like an all-around great guy.

Lots of cool stories in this book, along with the setup and rules for several different varieties of poker.

Primarily what I took from this book is an aggressive style that probably does better in a *real* poker tournament/ring game than an online poker tournament/ring game. People tend not to notice or care how you play in an online game. In an online game there are far more showdowns than in a *real* poker game. So you lose some of the benefits of playing an aggressive style.

That said, you'll never look at suited connectors again when Doyle teaches you how to play them.

THIS BOOK IS NOT THE GOSPEL
This is a wonderful collection written by some of the foremost poker players and theorists in the world. While there is a lot of useful information in this book, some of the contents are quite dated and some of the strategies in this book are precisely what caused Doyle to fair so poorly in the WSOP in the last few years. While I don't deny that there are useful strategies and ideas in this book (particularly Caro's section). I would advise that prior to using this book reading Skalansky's Hold'em for advanced players, which offers a much more cut and dry approach to the advancing hold'em player.

I didn't find the book very helpfull. It takes alot to comprehend. Here is the book in a nut shell.....BET>BET>BET.
Save your money, better yet, play your money away. You will learn more in the long run.

Well, I've only read about 90 or so books on poker, most of them written pre-boom (2002 or earlier; the newer ones have a lot less character, 'twould seem), so I don't know if it's fair to say this is the best all-around poker book of them all, but it's easily top five. It's the Cadillac of poker books, to paraphrase Doyle.
This would be the nuts even if it was ony comprised of the introduction to poker "basics" (actually very advanced in some respects). Brunson lays out much of the stuff that takes some players years to figure out, and in only a few pages. Having played many thousands of hours of poker since first reading this in 2000, I can say that he hits the nail on the head as well as anyone ever has. Read that section alone and truly digest it and you're already half way home.
This book changed the poker landscape in many ways. Few were playing small suited connectors until Doyle made their value clear...no one but the top pros and "crazy gamblers", at least. Yes, he overrates J-10, but we weren't in his games back then, and I'm guessing he made a LOT of cash with it...and a man as crafty as Doyle knew that he had to write SOME misleading stuff here. You can't give away ALL your secrets!
Add to that excellent thoughts on many different games (if you can't play at least a half dozen games well you're hardly a real player), and what is still the best no-limit guide around, and you've got a book that truly lives up to its long-time nickname, the Bible Of Poker.
Haven't read the new edition, but going back to this one after some years made me realize that some of my more advanced poker thoughts and moves had their genesis right here.
This is a great read as well, not perfectly written but done with much feel and loads of understanding of what makes poker players tick. For those who play hold'em only, this is an excellent introduction to games like lowball and seven stud, the precursors of HE. It never hurts to have a larger skillset (and if you can play a good tripledraw game, you'll be sitting pretty when it breaks out in that Vegas hotel room game you stumbled into with your old buddy's wife's brother). Baldwin's limit HE section is solid as are all of the others. Add in the various anecdotes, told by men who are still some of the best to ever play their respective games even 30 years after publication, and you've got what is probably the most important poker book of them all.
If Yardley's Education is the granddaddy of poker books, then this is without doubt the Big Daddy.

[PS I'm no Doyle, but I have a column at pokerpagesdotcom where I share my thoughts on hold'em, PLO, strategies and gambling in general. My old articles are archived; if you've seen some poker on tv you might especially enjoy "Poker Needs More Sponsors", one of the few things I've written that makes me laugh every time I read it. Feel free to stop by and share your thoughts.]

Doyle Brunson, Super/System: A Course in Power Poker (Cardoza, 1978)

First off: whoever did the typography for this book, and then let it sit as-is for thirty years, really should be put up against a wall and shot. It's terrible. There's way too much bold, way too much italic, and way too many seemingly arbitrary switches between the two. Many times, a phrase starts off in bold and ends in italic, or vice-versa. Before the next edition of this book, someone needs to get in there with a copy-editor's pen and give these six hundred five pages a thorough going-over. As it stands, the book is well nigh unreadable, and that has nothing whatever to do with its content.

As for its content, well, that's a different story. A lot of this will seem like basic strategy to the self-taught player who's been around for a few years, but it's a gold mine for the beginner. Confused by when and how to play suited connectors in a no-limit hold'em game? Brunson will tell you. Wondering what all the fuss is over deuce-seven lowball? You'll find out here. What are the differences between a limit hold'em ring game and a no-limit tournament? (If you think there aren't many, I suggest not wandering into one if you specialize in the other if you expect to keep your money.) It's all laid out for you.

The one thing that may bug some readers (aside from the awful typography) is that a decent portion of the book is devoted to the now-almost-dead game of five-card draw. But hey, if you're not reading it with the intention of reviewing it later, and you never play five-card draw, you can just skip it, right? Also, remember that this book is thirty years old, and some games that weren't popular in Vegas, California, and Texas are not represented. To me, the biggest hole is the lack of a section on pot-limit variants, but they didn't become popular until Omaha did; that sort of thing is what Super/System 2 is for. ***, having had one star knocked off for the awful editing/proofreading.

While I have watched Doyle on TV and have a huge amount of respect for his game, I was disappointed with this new (old) book.
I was hoping for increase my return with my online game and the weekly game with the boys. No such luck! I wish Doyle & co would get to their point instead of using 5 pages to waffle on. Very long winded.

There are defintely better books for the beginner/intermediate player which talk about pot odds and cover the same strategies.

Great pokerhistory with interesting views and angels for pokerplaying. Underlines courage and power. First edition of the book was printed in 1979.

This book was an excellent insight into the psychology of poker. Although it is monstrous to attempt to get through due to sheer size, if you have particular games you are interested in, you can skip right to them once you get to the games section then go back later and fill in the rest. It is worthwhile to read all the games sections though, because knowing more than just Hold 'Em is vital to being a better all around player. Brunson gives a great insight into why betters bet the way they do and after reading the book I get so much more from watching the pros on TV. Very good read.

Despite this book being written 25 years ago, it is still the best poker book ever written. Doyle is a genius!

This is nice reading but if you are interested in learning some strategies for you poker game against you buddies on Friday night, this isn't for you. If you are going to be playing in tourneys against strong players, then read it. He has some unique strategies which will steal you some pots.

For sure the best poker book I ever red. In this book, a lot of strategy and understandable lesons.

Author of the more significant line about poker :

"Never play Soft..."

You know nothing about poker before reading this book.

Doyle Brunson's Super System is a valuable book for poker players. It definitely helps a lot on how to read people, how to play your hands at different positions, etc. It may require some playing experience to understand this book.

However, it is really hard to play aggresive like Doyle. For example, Doyle believes to play next hand (no matter what cards) after he won the previous hand. He wants to be on a rush. It takes some serious guts!

"Don't quit the day job", as Doyle Brunson said recently in an interview.

I bought this book some time ago and enjoyed it thoroughly. It is a must read for poker buffs who are looking for ways to upgrade their game. It is important to realize that even Doyle changes up his game from time to time, and cannot be relied upon to predictably do what he recommends here.
Much of what Doyle recommends has value. Pay attention to his comments about what strategy works for which stakes. The author covers many types of poker games by using expert comentary on how to play them effectively by such players as Chip Reese. In the back of the book is an extensive section about the odds of drawing to particular combinations of cards to make various hands. This is good stuff.
Brunson suggests that reading about playing poker is all to the good, but that to really learn about it you have to find a game for the kind of stakes you like and do it.

Good Luck,
Robert Hardy

First of all, it comes from players, as well as theoreticians, some of whom may considered to be the best. Secondly it is a very practical book with all the maths as well as hints. Highly recommended material to anyone who loves the game.

Great book to read from the legend Doyle Brunson. Even though a lot of experience gained from years ago, it still is relevant today for people wanting to get into the poker money games. Goes into a lot of detail and takes a bit of practice to use properly on the tables. A very good book, highly recommended. I can now understand why Doyle was and still is a very successful poker legend.

The foundation of poker is in this book and is explained by the best there is there was and ever will be. Class dismissed.

Doyle brunsons power system is an awesome book, it goes over many kinds of poker not just no-limit hold'em.

i have help my limit game alot by reading this book apply what you read in this book and you to can make my as a oker player.

This is the most educational book about poker i have ever read, and it is a "must have" for anyone who wants to be a better poker player.

I have read a lot of poker books and I have acquired a good understanding of strategy in conjuction with other texts, especially from applied mathematics and gambling psychology. This book explains in depth the strategy, reading hands and even psychology in an enjoyable manner. But I think it still has no full coverage of odds calulus, interpretation and math behind the poker. I found Catalin Barboianu's "Texas Hold'em Odds" far superior on this count. I recommend it as a completion for this book.

This book was very good. I loved many of the parts and it provides the reader with a framework on how to play poker. I started playing with my new found knowledge (...) Im not sure how long it will last...but im hoping for a while :)

this book was very good. I learned a lot about poker and how to win. its a mentalitly and a skill...doyle possesses both of these fine qualities.

If you want to be the best, you learn from the best. I've only read it once, and even now I've seen a drastic improvment in my game. He really shows you how to tell when a hand looks like junk, but is a gold mine, versus when a hand looks good but is junk. If you want to learn to be a better player, this is the book to read.

very good book. very interesting. only problem. doyle brunson plays top notch poker players and makes bets of multiple thousands of dollars. some of his strategies won't work in your average 10 dollar buy in hold em tournament that you hold in your garage once a week. doyle brunson is a risky player who gambles alot. people might fold at your bluff if they are looking at a 3,000 dollar bet but at your house, where people only have to pay 4 black chips and 2 blues to see the flop, they are more likely to call. i guess basically what i'm saying is that no poker strategey works on every type of player you will encounter. But the book mentions this fact many times. good reading? yes. have i won more pots because of it? maybe a few.

There is really not much to say other that this is by far the best book on Poker written. Even though it was written in the seventees it hasn't lost any of its value. A must-read for any poker play who wants to make money in the game.

Doyle Brunson is a divinity among poker players who look up to him for his knowledge of the game and his ability to beat just about anyone since he first started playing.

The "Super System" is a great book and a must read for poker players of all skill levels. If you intend to get any good at this game you have to learn from the best. Brunson is among the best of all time.

Frank Scoblete: author of Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution! and Golden Touch Blackjack Revolution!

Great book. Goes in depth into the analysis of all forms of poker. Goes over betting schemes, tells, and great poker plays. Definitely worth all the praise and will help imrpove your game.

Enjoyable and informative book. Good look into one of the legends of the poker world and of the old days of the gambler. Lots of tips and plans on how to better your game. Will surly check out his other books....

Fantastic information a must for all poker players. Only downfall is that a lot of the information is getting dated.

A great book by a poker great. The first book that I read that spoke to the game being more about people and position rather than cards. Interesting anecdotes, colorful history and a guide to aggressive playing make this a vital part of any serious players arsenal.

That being said, realize that it was written in the late 70's and does not take into account the internet phenomenon and the super aggressive players it has spawned. However, if you can keep the material in historical perspective, it is an invaluable resource. 4.5/5

This book is simply history to poker players. Super system was dead on the money back in the 70s and its still on the money today.

In my opinion its more for the advanced player. A must read though for anyone interested in improving their game.

I'm a freqent poker player and for all those who would like to play this book is an absolute must have. and for those who already play this book is also an absolute must have and desk reference.

Brunson's book came out in the 70's, long before Omaha became so popular, so it omits guidelines for this great poker game. Otherwise, the book is superb. It's amazing how much your game will improve, even if you adopt only a few of the suggestions offered. If you play Hold 'Em and have yet to read Brunson, you're welcome in my games anytime.

"super System" is a must read for all serious poker players at all skill levels. I greatly enjoyed the depth of strategy and insights into other player's hands.

I thought I was the only one who knew how to create a system but alas this book has shown that I am not alone.

Using the Super System I have not only a better poker player, but also have flatter abs, less nasal congestion, and better digestion (all without the help of Atkins!!!).

Now while ones results will varry, I think this book is well worth the price especially since the cover is so amusing, and since this book has led to such relief of some of my other long term problems such as flatulence, depression, and sleepiness.

While I know that Che (or his friends call him Chevara) Disagree's with me on this one, I still think the book is well worth the price.

I tried it several times. It does seem to do mostly what the author claims.

Though it is not the easiest of matters. You have to concentrate if you expect to be successful with applying his suggestions. It's very easy to slip and then have a few hands and bidding go south on you.

I ordered this book hoping i could become a better poker player but super system is way too outdated and most of the material is about games that arent played anymore. The NLHE section is general poker strategy by todays standards, i understand that super system was a great poker book when it first came out but now there r so many better poker books out there. Unless your a beginner poker player or would just want to read basically a poker history book, i wouldt suggest this book.

Condition of book was perfect. Purchased this book for my son's birthday. He loved it.

The sections on no limit holdem are great. Since not many cardrooms play the other games, a large part of the book isn't really that applicable today unless you are in Vegas and have access to the other games.

If you are into poker and you're serious about money, this is the book for you. Learn the basics from the pro that started it all. Great buy!!

Super System is a little dated as I suspect Super System II is as well. I say it's dated because poker is a bit different now than it was back in the day, and Doyle's day was a looong time ago! The part about learning to play aggressive still helps me get fired up though. Another good feature of this book is it covers games other than Hold'em.

It might have been great back when it was first published, but now it is a good starter book i believe.

Even though many refer to this as the Poker Bible, I would strongly disagree. Maybe it was when there were few other books on poker, but now, this book lags far behind the new generation of poker books, notably Harrington and Gordon.

I would have given this book two stars if I just ranked the hold'em section. It is rather broad, and basically says put your opponent to the test and push all in. This is not a good tournament book, but there are several little tidbits of information and tips everywhere. I would buy several books before this one for no limit hold'em. The Stud and limit sections are very good, and the book as a whole is a must read, it's just not the best.

GREAT BOOK!!!!!!

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I found this book very helpful in understanding poker at a higher level. I wouldn't suggest this book for a beginner, but for someone that have played a few hands at poker and know the basic knowledge of poker. Doyle Brunson and his team cover about every form of poker out there in this book and I would recommend this book to anybody that plans on playing some serious poker and making money at it.

If you are an absolute newbie or an experienced pro, this book is a good read. Doyle reveals his style of solid play to the world and reserves his spot in poker history.

If you are absolutely clueless about how to play Texas Hold'em and get licked every night at your friend's house, this book will help you become a solid player. Once you get down the basics, it's a lot easier to make reads.

Everyone raves about this book in the poker community and with good reason. This is your shortcut to playing good poker. No joke. If you understand the logic behind Doyle's play, you will be a better player.

NOT for beginners. This was, and still is, a must have for any serious poker player. Things you learn from pros and the like and well worth the read.

Doyle Brunson's Super System uses up about a fourth of this book, but it is enough. I don't feel cheated about the three quarters that weren't about what the title says. Just a couple of hours reading "the rules" and I have completely different thoughts while I'm watching poker on TV. That's called a new perspective. It's more fun for me when I'm not struggling to figure out what the players are thinking and doing, or trying to do. It's more interesting when you know when somebody is "breaking the rules".

I don't intend to ever play poker and I don't intend to learn the book. I just wanted to spend less time being baffled. This book was enough to accomplish that.

It was already mentioned below, but I wanted to reiterate that this book covers many different poker games. The most popular is right now is Texas Holdem and covers approx. 100 pages on the topic. Just wanted to throw that out there in case you didn't know.

I am aware of the methods for correctly handling books; yet, the back on this one broke the first time I opened it. The binding is substandard; the book is great!

The standard by which all others are judged and none have yet to reach.

Material that is mixed between introductory and advanced.
Definitely want to try your hand at the main popular variants
of poker before reading. Chapters have quick tips and more advanced ideas regarding texas hold'em, omaha, seven card
and others. Definitely a book to check out when trying to penetrate the mystery of winning poker. Perspectives come from various players. Brunson's chapter is on texas hold'em and a another chapter on poker in general, etc.

I play online for what Doyle what consider low limits (1/2 2/4 3/6 NL as well as sit and gos. Heres the problem with this is book: The strategys Doyle gives you are solid but hardly ever work because the online population is so... STUPID! People play garbage and because so many do you have to "get lucky" or develop a good way to play. Doyle lists hands Like AQ offsuit as "trouble hands" personally i agree 100%, but with the half wits online who go all in with A10, A9 and Pocket 9s or anything lower. This book WILL help you in some way. But all the information does not apply (it was written nearly 30 years ago) Its defintley worth a read and worth the price.

Great history. The only way to learn is from the master himself. Will be great future reference as well.

Just buy it. Take my word. This should be one of the first two books you read as a beginning poker player.

This is a great book by one of the all time greats and his counterparts. I loved it just from the historical perspective. It truly changed the game as we know it.

this is the first and so far the best poker book i have ever read. it describes in great detail how you should play the game of poker. i recommend this book to anyone who wants to vastly improve on how they play the game

Best poker book ever written. Simple as that.

A great book and even more remarkable that it was written 27 years ago. Of course common people can't play like the pro's. It doesn't mean you can't enjoy it and learn from the best. I can't swing a golf club like Nickalaus but I still read his book.
The first thing he says is "Poker isn't about the cards it is about people".

This is the world champion's book. Why wouldn't you want it to be yours too?

Do not be mislead by other books. Some are good and some are bad but you will never know unless you read this one first.

Also, you will not know what the world champions truly teach and say about the game unless you read this.