Book review: Poker & Philosophy Pocket Rockets and Philosopher Kings

Author: Simon Dexter

Edited by Eric Bronson

This book’s publishers (Open Court) have thus far produced a series of titles in which one aspect of popular culture is compared with philosophy; given poker’s global appeal, it was only a matter of time before it too got the philosophy treatment.

It comprises 19 thought-provoking essays written by academics, the majority of whom have written a number of philosophy-related titles. As a consequence, the reader gets to absorb some unusual, occasionally off-beat, thoughts on various aspects of poker; these include the ethical aspects of bluffing and how humans gamble - and not just at the poker table. It should be said that while academic in tone, this is not a book likely to appeal to a limited audience; if you’re interested in poker, it is worth reading.

Yet not every essay is dripping with an essential insight into poker. Given that each author deals with the game’s role in popular culture, you should not expect to discover how you should play when in certain table positions. It follows that while these essays will undoubtedly appeal to those prepared to think about the game and its popularity, it could not be called a poker textbook.

Perhaps the closest the book comes to specific poker thinking is Willie Young’s essay which compares the teachings of Aristotle with what might be called traditional poker thinking. Young’s conclusion is that poker players should concentrate upon making correct decisions rather than favourable outcomes that are sometimes be dependent on other factors.

This could not be referred to as a ‘must-have’ book for your poker library, but for deep thinkers, it is absolutely ideal.