Poker Novels

James McManus, a New York Times-bestselling author, has crafted a collection of seven autobiographical stories. Persuaded by his grandmother at eight years old that priesthood would ensure his family’s salvation, Vince eagerly enrolls in a Jesuit seminary for high school. However, as he begins to understand the implications of a celibacy vow and faces the allure of poker and girls, his enthusiasm for seminary life wanes. These stories offer a humorous and insightful look into Catholicism, faith, celibacy, and the world’s favorite card game, poker. McManus, often referred to as “poker’s Shakespeare,” is also the author of Positively Fifth Street and Cowboys Full, among others. He has received numerous awards and currently teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

In this skillfully written story by Haxton, readers are taken on an engaging journey that explores the shared qualities of abstraction, logic, and memory among both accomplished poets and poker players. The narrative offers a captivating tour through a variety of complex and interconnected subjects, including game theory, financial strategies, medical enigmas, lost love, chess, Magic cards, and Texas Hold ‘em. At the heart of the story is a father’s love and admiration for his talented son, providing a unique insight into professional gambling and one family’s journey navigating the risks. “Fading Hearts” presents an intriguing perspective on the worlds of professional gambling and the experiences of a family betting against the odds.

“Broke” explores the high-stakes journey of three young, gifted poker players on their quest for fame and fortune in an environment riddled with addiction. Raf Verheij, a twenty-five-year-old chess prodigy, believes poker has saved him from despair rather than leading him into it. Robert Thompson possesses an almost magical skill in reading his opponents’ hands through their body language, yet struggles with a severe gambling addiction. Matt Ingram, known for his self-destructive tendencies, grinds his way through the poker world. This narrative reveals the addictive and perilous nature of poker, not just to one’s finances but also to mental health, highlighting that the greatest challenges often come from within. “Broke” provides an insight into the lives of Raf, Robert, and Matt as they navigate the treacherous path to becoming poker legends, emphasizing that the real battle is often with oneself rather than with opponents.

This book brings to light a cult classic novel that captures the shadowy world of professional gambling, captivating readers globally. Joey Moore stands out as a formidable poker player, known for his ruthless efficiency and keen awareness. For years, he’s roamed from one game to the next, mostly coming out on top, and occasionally reconnecting with his sporadic girlfriend. His life takes a turn when he secures a position as a poker boss, leading to a significant uptick in his earnings. However, fortune is fleeting, and Joey is on the brink of discovering just how quickly good luck can sour.

In 1987, poker was legalized in Nevada and a single California county, captivating 17-year-old author Jesse May. By 1996, the game was legal in over twenty US states and five European countries, transforming poker’s landscape. May, too, evolved with the game, leaving the University of Chicago in 1989 due to conflicts between his class schedule and poker nights. His debut novel, Shut Up and Deal, is based on his experiences in the poker world. It follows a ’90s dropout with an unshakeable obsession for poker, navigating casinos and card rooms in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Amsterdam. The novel, told in a compelling voice, is filled with intense poker dramas, with the protagonist, Mickey, facing a situation that risks his entire bankroll and tests his morals. Shut Up and Deal offers an immersive look into the modern poker world with its gripping, fast-paced narrative.

Semyon Dukach, a mathematical genius and high roller, gambled in casinos worldwide with a unique, unbeatable system, aiming to amass unimaginable wealth. Known as the Darling of Las Vegas, he and his MIT peers hit major gambling spots, including Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Monte Carlo, making millions. Despite facing threats, bans, and physical violence, they remained undeterred. Dukach’s story, Busting Vega$, is a thrilling tale of greed, excess, love, violence, and statistics, revealing the high-stakes world of casino gambling.