How a regular Joe became a millionaire poker champion

Describing his unprecedented victory in the 2003 World Series of Poker, Chris Moneymaker explains, "With each new goal, I had to reinvent my game. I learned on the fly. I shook things up. I played reckless one moment, conservative the next. No one knew what to make of me - and, frankly, I had no idea what to make of myself. I didn't recognize myself out there, staring down these big-money players behind my Oakley shades, playing at poker cool."

How this unlikely champion, a Tennessee accountant and sideline gambler, parlayed a $40 poker bid into a $2.5 million purse is the subject of "Moneymaker" (HarperCollins, $23.95).

With the help of Daniel Paisner, Moneymaker candidly shares his transformation from a casual poker player to a hotshot professional. It's the unlikely tale of opportunities that came along at just the right time. It's the story of an individual who seized the moment, made all the right decisions and tapped into enough luck to make it to the top of the professional poker circuit in just one tournament.

What Funny Cide accomplished that same year in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, Moneymaker did in Las Vegas. Two unknowns virtually came out of nowhere to stun the favorites and capture the public's imagination.

And just as the racehorse did not return to the winner's circle the following season at any of the Triple Crown races, Moneymaker was unable to successfully defend his title. In the 2004 World Series of Poker, he lost in the early rounds.

As he shares his fairy-tale story, Moneymaker doesn't hide his own blemishes or the negatives, such as the breakup of his marriage.

Although I found his story fascinating, I realized halfway through the book I didn't really care for the man sharing these events. The mixture of bravado coupled with occasional moments of honesty created an interesting range of emotions. Certainly I'd found myself rooting for the underdog as he played his way into the finals. But correspondingly, later in the book I wasn't in the least bit sorry to see him get blasted early on when he tried to defend his title.

This insider's look at professional poker will appeal to anyone entranced by the poker tournaments now frequently aired on television. You'll discover that the head game is as important as the hand dealt the player.

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Monterey resident Henry Stephenson proposes to take his readers' home poker to the next level in "Real Poker Night" (Lyle Stuart/Kensington Publishing, $14.95).

Stephenson's contention is that the card game can be more enjoyable if it is played at a deeper level. After discussing the frequent shortcomings of home poker, the author provides casino-grade rules and urges his readers to use these professional standards when they sit down at the table.

He offers advice on selecting bet amounts that are small enough for a friendly game yet large enough to make the contest meaningful.

The heart of the book explains basic strategy and offers concise lessons on the three most popular professional games today: Texas Hold 'Em, Seven Card Stud and Omaha High/Low.

Following Stephenson's advice will make your occasional poker nights a little more exciting without turning them into high-roller, break-the-bank sessions.

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Bob Walch is a freelance writer out of Monterey. He can be reached by e-mail at BobWalch@hotmail.com. His opinions are not necessarily those of the Register-Pajaronian.