SS1 or SS2

[Expunge]

Super System, or Super System 2. Which should I read first?

[Spidurman]

SS1 is great if you are going to play single draw lowball or draw for high. Otherwise I recommend SS2 - the games covered are more current.

If you aren't sure, get to a bookstore, thumb through both and see the material covered.

Originally Posted by Expunge

Super System, or Super System 2. Which should I read first?

I'd go in order. I am only about 20% done with SS2, and so far I would say it doesnt matter (not like calc 1 and calc 2). I dont think the stuff he said in SS1 is outdated, but if you start with SS2, I would think psychologically you might have a harder time going "back" to SS1. So if you intend to read both, I'd go with SS1 first.

[MNBridge]

I'd read them together.

i.e. If you are on the limit poker section read SS #1 then the section on limit hold 'em in SS #2 by Jenny Harmon (This is v well written).

#2 also has more intangible stuff. (i.e. Playing on line, a Caro section on tells (and tells online). This could be read in any order i would guess.

SS #2 also talks about Tournament NL, where #1 seem more concerned with Cash games.
(Interesting comment by Doyle on the All-In strategy on a page in the low 500's (or somewhere in that area))

The sections seem to be:
1) Miscellaneous non game specific stuff (Both books - Good light reading, when you aren't really trying to study)

2) Limit Hold 'em (Both books. Can really get a lot out of this if you think about the reading) i.e.
"What are the differences between HFAP, SS #1, SS #1, and SSH?" It's usually the 'game'.
"OK so why would I play this way in a loose / passive game and this way in a loose agressive game" (etc.)
I think you really need to study these sections and possibly even take notes to get maximum benefit.

3a) NL Hold 'em Cash games (SS #1, and SS #2)
3b) NL Hold 'em Tournaments (SS #2, Harrington on Hold 'em)
(I pretty much skipped these)
But I would think this is similar to part 2 as you don't really 'read' these sections as much as you Study them.
What is different in cash games? Why?
Harrington has a tight image, Doyle does not. Where do there ideas differ and why do each work?

4) I'll call this all other games (Not to discount these I just think from your posts Sponge you are a Hold 'em player)
Just in case you are ever waiting to get in a game at the Bellagio and a $200 / $400 Three Draw Poker game opens first you will want to be prepared

Originally Posted by MNBridge

I'd read them together.

That's a good idea, too.

The best part about the way super system is written is that you don't have to go front to back. The individual chapters are by and large independant of each other. So you can jump around. I would still suggest the common topics (like hold em), you consider reading in order...#1 than #2. That actually might be better to do. Read the holdem section from SS1, than go read the holdem section from SS2.

I bet you get more out of it that way.

You know sp0nge, there is a nice little section from Mike Caro...he called it "Don't turn your ring games into tournaments".


He said that he sees too many players start at a level...and then when they hit a certain point, they play the next higher level. So they might start at 1/2, then bump up to 2/4, etc, etc. The way he explained it, the blinds double in a tourament to force action. The whole purpose is to go until there is 1 left, and how often does that happen that you are the one left(never for me, but that is beside the point)?

I like how you guys go up and down depending on bankroll, and have a finite stopping point, so I think that directly addresses his point. But I instantly thought of the format that you and others had earlier this month when I read that section. It is some good food for thought.

[Expunge]

Originally Posted by MNBridge

I'd read them together.

i.e. If you are on the limit poker section read SS #1 then the section on limit hold 'em in SS #2 by Jenny Harmon (This is v well written).

#2 also has more intangible stuff. (i.e. Playing on line, a Caro section on tells (and tells online). This could be read in any order i would guess.

SS #2 also talks about Tournament NL, where #1 seem more concerned with Cash games.
(Interesting comment by Doyle on the All-In strategy on a page in the low 500's (or somewhere in that area))

The sections seem to be:
1) Miscellaneous non game specific stuff (Both books - Good light reading, when you aren't really trying to study)

2) Limit Hold 'em (Both books. Can really get a lot out of this if you think about the reading) i.e.
"What are the differences between HFAP, SS #1, SS #1, and SSH?" It's usually the 'game'.
"OK so why would I play this way in a loose / passive game and this way in a loose agressive game" (etc.)
I think you really need to study these sections and possibly even take notes to get maximum benefit.

3a) NL Hold 'em Cash games (SS #1, and SS #2)
3b) NL Hold 'em Tournaments (SS #2, Harrington on Hold 'em)
(I pretty much skipped these)
But I would think this is similar to part 2 as you don't really 'read' these sections as much as you Study them.
What is different in cash games? Why?
Harrington has a tight image, Doyle does not. Where do there ideas differ and why do each work?

4) I'll call this all other games (Not to discount these I just think from your posts Sponge you are a Hold 'em player)
Just in case you are ever waiting to get in a game at the Bellagio and a $200 / $400 Three Draw Poker game opens first you will want to be prepared

Thanks for the info...
I prolly play about 75-85% holdem, then i mix it up around the other games, usually O/8 or triple draw. I enjoy the variety. I would definately play a forced rotation game if there were some low limit stuff available.

[Bama Gambler]

I'd be careful following any advice handed out by Mike Caro.

Originally Posted by Bama Gambler

I'd be careful following any advice handed out by Mike Caro.

with regards to cards...yes.

But that is pretty solid. So is a few other things he mentions at the beginning of SS2.

[Spidurman]

Originally Posted by Bama Gambler

I'd be careful following any advice handed out by Mike Caro.

I don't take anyone's advice - ever - without considering the source. I don't take anything at face value that I can't dissect and figure for myself. Safer.