After reading Yardley's book, I applied his techniques to my weekly kitchen game. While I normally came out ahead, using his advice, I booked the biggest win in the history of our game. Then I took his knowledge to Atlantic City. Strictly following his strategies for 7 card-stud, I booked my first win in a cardroom. And have used the techniques since. And won. Yes, the book is a bit dated, and yes, Yardley has a major ego. And his strategy is very conservative, which means once you employ it over the long haul, people will see you as a rock, and not give you much action. But there is no better place to start if you are serious about poker, and no better book to read to get a feel for the lore, and also to gain the confidence that you can win. An excellent read, filled with money-making advice, and a book you do NOT want your opponents to know about.