The Science of Poker

Author: M. Mahmood
Publisher: High Stakes
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Introduction

This book deals with limit as well as pot-limit Omaha, Texas Hold'em and Seven-Card Stud. It is divided into four parts. A brief discussion of some important poker concepts is presented in the first part. The second part deals with four-card Omaha High, the third part is devoted to Texas Hold'em and, finally, the last part covers Seven-Card Stud.

Each part contains a comprehensive analysis of starting hands, odds and probabilities, including the new concept of probability coefficient, as well as after flop play, for Omaha and Hold'em, and after third street play for Seven-Card Stud. Although the last chapters of Omaha and Hold'em are dedicated to pot-limit games, I advise the owners of this book to read each part thoroughly because the information presented in each chapter is pertinent to both limit and pot-limit poker. Finally, the Appendix, which deals with the mathematics of probability, is included for the benefit of readers who are interested in learning the basics of statistical calculations relevant to poker.

As you read this book, you will realise that it is not a thriller. It will be obvious that you are reading a reference book. You cannot assimilate the wealth of poker information at your disposal by reading the book once, unless you are endowed with photographic memory. Do not, however, be intimidated by the large number of simulated/calculated statistical data that were utilised in the analyses of the many examples of contests between a wide range of poker hands. I advise you to read the book more than once and to refer to the relevant part/section every time you have had to make a tough decision during a playing session. This will enable you to remember most, if not all, of the data in the book and subsequently to apply your superior knowledge to your advantage, during your future playing sessions. I am a devout believer in learning by repetition.

The results presented in the book were obtained by running computer simulations using Wilson software. Some of the information concerned with the probability of having certain starting cards and the composition of the flop can be found in the following books: Super Systems by Doyle