Cryptologia: Education of a Poker Player, The

YARDLEY GETS EDUCATED

Yardley, Herbert O. The Education of a Poker Player. Orloff Press, Inc., P. 0. Box 80774, Athens GA 30608 USA. 1-800-724-8078. 1997. 140 pp. $12.95.

First published in 1957 by Simon & Schuster, the publisher unexpectedly enjoyed 12 printings of the book that has been hailed as a true classic. After being out-of-print for some years, a new publisher has re-designed and reset the entire text and commissioned a new cover for the re-introduction of Yardley's guide to successful poker playing.

The book starts with Monty's Place, a small-time Indiana saloon with a shady poker room in the first decade of the twentieth century, frequented by Yardley in his mid-teens. Initially, the book focuses on his relationship with his mentor and friend Monty, and under his tutelage, Yardley becomes a successful player.

Each chapter begins with an excellent poker story followed by a scientific analysis of the hand that was being played. Briefly, Yardley's poker philosophy is: Bet on the cards you have, not on the cards you hope to get. The book soon shifts from strategy, to the philosophy and art of poker, to the stories of Yardley's adventures as a cryptanalyst (and poker player) in China approaching World War II.

Yardley is a master story teller and even if you don't enjoy poker, you should appreciate his fascinating tales.