As a chess player for many years I can relate to the author of this book very well. He manges to discuss a wide range of chess related topics in a very readable style. While the information is somewhat dated with respect to issues such as computer chess, it still serves to familiarize the reader with the issues involved.

It's one of the best non-theorectical books on chess I have ever read.

This isn't going to help your poker game at all.

Spanier analyses the game not from a technical angle, but rather using a more complete view which includes the psychological aspect. He looks at a variety of games in a refreshing way, and makes the book readable even to those insufficiently talented to be able to play.

I was a great fan of this author's 1992 book titled 'All Right,OK, You Win,' which was an insightful and well-written overview of theStrip. When I saw this book, 'Welcome to the Pleasuredome,' I hoped for an update of all that has happened on the Strip since 1992. Imagine my dismay when I discovered it's the exact same book as 'All Right, OK, You Win,' with a different cover and a different title. END

Although I patronize neither casinos nor brothels, Spanier's book was fascinating reading for me. He takes his reader inside the back rooms of casinos, explaining how they can afford to give away freebies to their best customers, how they draw new families, and the future of Las Vegas. He puts the story of the Nevada city into a historical context, explaining how it blossomed from a railroad outpost a few decades ago into the major destination it is today. He concludes by speculating about the effect of competition, including nearby Laughlin, state lotteries, and Atlantic City. This book will not disappoint.