The most fun you can have learning Texas Hold'em (and we ain't bluffin') Playing Texas Hold'em is about the most fun you can have with two cards in your hand. Navigating the slang, rules, and intricacies of the game can be challenging, though. With Texas Hold'em For Dummies, 2nd Edition, you'll learn the tricks you need to know to win your first online or in-person game. From ranking the various poker hands to applying betting strategies, this book helps you build the skills necessary to achieve poker room success. In Texas Hold'em For Dummies, you'll learn to: Improve your chances at casinos and in online poker rooms Participate in a poker tournament with confidence Bluff, bet, raise, and fold in the right way at the right times The perfect handbook for beginning poker players who want to play in-person or online, Texas Hold'em For Dummies is also an essential companion for more experienced players looking to brush up on the fundamentals and improve their skills.

Your quick and easy guide to chess Kings, queens, knights does chess seem like a royal pain to grasp? Taking the intimidation out of this age-old pastime, Chess For Dummies, 4th Edition is here to help beginners wrap their minds around the rules of the game, make sense of those puzzling pieces, and start playing chess like a champ. From using the correct chess terminology to engaging in the art of the attack, you'll get easy-to-follow, step-by-step explanations that demystify the game and give you an extra edge. Chess isn't a game you can master it's an activity that requires patience, strategy, and constant learning. But that's all part of the fun and challenge! Whether you're playing chess online, in a tournament, or with a family member or friend, this hands-on guide gets you familiar with the game and its components, giving you the know-how to put the principles of play into action from the opening to the endgame. * Grasp the principles of play and the nuances of each phase of the game * Familiarize yourself with the pieces and the board * Pick the perfect chess board and set * Know each of the pieces and their powers If you find yourself in a stalemate before you even begin a game, this friendly book helps you put your chess foot forward!

Maximize your odds on the casino floor Casinos are designed for distraction, so it helps to know a bit about when the odds are in your favor and when they're not before you push a stack of chips onto a table. Professional blackjack player Kevin Blackwood and lifelong sports bettor Swain Scheps know a thing or two about casino gambling. In Casino Gambling For Dummies, these seasoned gaming veterans guide you through the essential strategies for walking out of the casino ahead of the game. They also show you the most common mistakes made by players, helping you avoid gambling risks while you enjoy what the gaming industry has to offer. Learn to see past the flashing lights, decide how much you're willing to wager, and find out how to enjoy yourself. In this book, you'll also discover: Step-by-step walkthroughs of casino etiquette and the rules of common casino games, including poker and blackjack Explanations of video poker and slots and ways to avoid losing more than you're comfortable with Explorations of online gambling, so you can enjoy the fun of a casino from the comfort of your home The perfect guide for anyone looking for an easy introduction to the world of casino gaming, Casino Gambling For Dummies is also an essential resource for those seeking to improve their odds at blackjack, craps, video poker, slots, and other games.

Put your knitting skills into action with these fun and easy-to-follow patterns Knitting is fun, functional, and stress-relieving--get started today with Knitting Patterns For Dummies! Written for all skill levels and perfect for beginners, it includes patterns for socks, scarves, sweaters, and beyond. Add to your knitting repertoire and experiment with different textures, fun colors, and pattern shapes. You'll love the full-color project photos in the color insert and helpful, easy-to-understand instructions for every single project. Even if you've never followed a written pattern before, you can knit cool stuff with the practical, modern patterns inside. This friendly guide will help you pick the right needles and yarn, step you through reading and knitting the patterns, and then finishing off your masterpieces. Select the supplies that are right for your projects Learn how to read a knitting pattern Practice working common stitches and creating different textures Make gifts for friends, clothing for yourself, and cold weather wear Need more practice? Want fun new ideas? Just getting started? All knitters welcome!

Get in the game and start building your dream team Millions of people worldwide play fantasy football, and you can join the fun with Fantasy Football For Dummies. We'll teach you the basics and give you the skills you need to create and manage your ultimate fantasy team. Learn how to scout and draft players, use the best strategies to compete against other fantasy owners, and win your fantasy league championship. You can easily manage your team and stay up to date on player stats with the how-tos and insider tips in this book. Check out this fun and entertaining guide to fantasy football and you'll be on your way to becoming a successful fantasy team owner, manager, and coach. Understand how fantasy football works Learn about the various fantasy league options Draft and manage your fantasy team, and change your roster effectively week to week Maximize your chances of winning with effective tips and strategies This Dummies guide--updated with the latest apps and rule changes--is for the millions of people who are already playing fantasy football today and want to improve their fantasy league performance, and it's perfect for beginners interested in joining a league and learning the basics. Yes--that means you!

Improve your chess game the fast and easy way

You never get a second chance to make a first impression?especially in the game of chess! "Chess Openings For Dummies" gives you tips and techniques for analyzing openings and strategies for winning chess games from the very first move you make!

This friendly, helpful guide provides you with easy-to-follow and step-by-step instructions on the top opening chess strategies and gives you the tools you need to develop your own line of attack from the very start.Includes illustrations to help ensure victoryEquips you with the tools and strategies to plan a winning strategyAlso serves as a valuable resource for curriculums that use chess as a learning tool

Whether you?re a veteran or novice chess player, "Chess Openings For Dummies" is the ultimate guide to getting a grip on the openings and variants that will ensure you have all the right moves to open and win any chess game.

The perfect book for when you're ready to move beyond 52-card pickup Feeling rummy? Ready to bridge the gap? In the mood to go fish? Card Games For Dummies is your source for rules, strategy, and fun. You'll learn everything you need to know to play and win at your family's favorite games, plus a bunch of others that are probably new to you. If you're the gambling kind, you can get started with poker, blackjack, and other casino favorites, right here. This handy guide takes card game enthusiasm to the next level and explains the tips and tricks that can turn game night into some serious competition. Learn the official rules for all your favorite card games Discover strategies for winning at bridge, poker, hearts, and many more Play easy games that are perfect for the whole family Get started in the world of online card gaming Card Games For Dummies will whet your appetite for play. Start shuffling!

A comprehensive and fun guide to Backgammon

Backgammon is one of the oldest games in the world, the origins of which date back some 5000 years - and it's still going strong. It enjoyed a huge resurgence in the 1970s, and then again in the 1990s with the popularity of the Internet, where millions of people play tournaments online every day.

Today, backgammon's following in the UK is huge, with a dedicated British Isles Backgammon Association, and hundreds of face-to-face tournaments taking place across the UK every year.

In this book, backgammon expert Chris Bray walks you through the basics of setting up a board, opening strategies, middle and end-game tactics, and tips on when to make key moves. You'll also get to grips with basic probabilities, the doubling cube and the 25% rule. And if you want to take your gaming further, there's plenty of advice to get you started in tournament backgammon, as well as playing online.

Suitable for both beginners and experienced player looking for more tips and techniques, "Backgammon For Dummies" includes coverage on: Starting and Playing the GameHandling the Middle GameBearing Off (The Last Lap)Varying the PlayAbout the author

The sports gambling book you can bet on Sports betting combines America's national pastime (sports) with its national passion (gambling). In the U.S., more than a third of the population bets on at least one sporting event every year. With the recent lifting of the federal ban on sports gambling, states are pushing legislation to take advantage of the new potential source of revenue. The best sports betting books are data driven, statistically honest, and offer ways to take action. Sports Betting For Dummies will cover the basics, as well as delving into more nuanced topics. You'll find all the need-to-know information on types of bets, statistics, handicapping fundamentals, and more. Betting on football, basketball, baseball, and other sports Betting on special events, such as the Superbowl or the Olympics Money management Betting on the internet With handy tips, tricks, and tools, Sports Betting For Dummies shows you how to place the right bet at the right time--to get the right payoff.

Try a hand at bridge and outsmart your opponents Bridge is the most popular card game in the world and, as any player will tell you, is simply the best card game ever. Whether you're new to the game or a long-time player looking for new tricks, this new edition of Bridge For Dummies walks you through the intricacies of the game and arms you with tried-and-true tips and strategies for being a better player and beating your opponents from the very first draw. Covering not only traditional contract bridge, but other popular variations of the game including ACOL, Rubber, and Duplicate Bridge this hands-on, friendly guide takes the guesswork out of this beloved game and arms you with the knowledge and know-how to make your game mates your minions. From knowing when and how high to bid to bringing home the tricks when you end up in a trump contract, it'll take your bridge skills to the next level in no time! * Strategize with your bridge partner * Confidently play bridge in clubs and tournaments * Use basic and advanced bidding techniques * Find bridge clubs and tournaments all over the world Are you ready to trump the competition? Success is a page away with the help of Bridge For Dummies.

Practical, step-by-step tips for players of all levels

From Snooker to Carom to good-old-fashioned 8- or 9-Ball, "Pool & Billiards For Dummies" reveals the tips, tricks, and rules of play, covering the variety of the ever-popular games that make up pool and billiards. This hands-on guide discusses everything from the rules and strategies of the games to how to set up a pool room to choosing the right equipment, and is accompanied by dozens of photos and line drawings.See how hard to hit the cue ball and where to hit it, the angle to hold the cue stick and how much chalk to use, how to use a bridge, and how to put spin on the ballIncludes advanced pool techniques and trick shots for the seasoned pool sharp

With "Pool & Billiards For Dummies, "even a novice can play like a champion

If you're a Dungeons & Dragons fan, you've surely thought of becoming a Dungeon Master. Learning to be a DM isn't as hard as you might think, especially if you have "Dungeon Master 4th Edition For Dummies" tucked into your bag of tricks

From organizing your first D&D game to dealing with difficult players, this book covers everything a DM needs to know. Written for the newest edition of D&D by the experts at Wizards of the Coast, creators of the game, it shows you how to: Build challenging encounters, make reasonable rulings, and manage disagreementsRecognize all the common codes, tables, and spellsUnderstand the parts of a D&D adventure and how to create dungeon maps and craft monstersShape storylines and write your own adventuresFind your style as a DM and develop a game style that plays to your strengthsScript an encounter, vary the terrain and challenges, and establish rewards (experience points and treasure)Decide whether to use published adventuresUse and follow the official "Dungeon Master's Guide"Develop a campaign with exciting themes, memorable villains, and plots that keep players entranced

If you're getting the urge to lead the charge in a D&D game of your own, "Dungeon Master 4th Edition For Dummies" will introduce you to the DM's many jobs. With the information you need to start your own game, craft exciting stories, and set up epic adventures, you'll be on your way

"Sudoku For Dummies, " Volume 2 will offer 240 original and addictive puzzles including new circular and 16 x 16 puzzles to add new dimensions to game play and keep the most avid Sudoku fan entertained. Of the 240 puzzles, 220 are the popular 9x9 puzzles, 10 are 16 x 16, and 10 are circular puzzles. Within each of these categories there are Easy, Tricky, Tough and Diabolical puzzle ratings; and each puzzle is clearly identified with the rating.

More than just a listing of puzzles, "Sudoku For Dummies, " Volume 2 features a chapter explaining how to solve puzzles and the strategies involved. Additionally, readers receive all puzzle solutions in the back of the book. Finally, "Sudoku For Dummies," Volume 2 includes a brief history of Sudoku (or Su Doku) for those interested. Descriptions of the newer types of puzzles are listed below.

Circular Sudoku (10 included: 3 Easy, 3 Tricky, 2 Tough, and 2 Diabolical)
The rules are similar to the normal 9x9 Sudoku but with some important differences. The puzzle is circular for a start, with 8 concentric rings. Each ring must contain the numbers 1-8 and each segment running into the centre of the circle and through to the opposite side of the circle must contain the numbers 1 - 8 and or course there can be no duplicate numbers.

16 x 16 Sudoku (10 included: 3 Easy, 3 Tricky, 2 Tough, and 2 Diabolical)
The grid is larger at 16 x 16 and solvers must fit the letters A-F into the grid alongside the numbers 0-9. 16 x 16 Sudoku are more difficult, take more time and are more infuriating than the normal puzzles - but just as addictive

Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies is packed with information that teaches you the ins and outs of the racetrack. You'll learn how to improve your odds, avoid common betting mistakes, and just plain have fun at the races. This is a spectator's easy-to-understand guide, so you'll have no trouble identifying the racing breeds with their strengths and weaknesses, sizing up the jockey, understanding the importance and role of a trainer, placing bets, managing money, and beyond. Can't make it to the track? No worries! You'll get the scoop on online betting with off track betting sites and apps. This update covers the latest changes in the betting world and in the racing world, so you'll know just what you're wagering. Learn about the different types of horse racing Discover and identify the best racing breeds Know your jockeys and trainers Make smart wagers and manage your funds For beginning betters, Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies is your ticket to well informed wagers and a winning edge. Already know the ropes? You'll love the market trends and insider tips you'll find inside.

The fast and easy way to crack codes and cryptograms

Did you love Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol"? Are you fascinated by secret codes and deciphering lost history? "Cracking Codes and Cryptograms For Dummies" shows you how to think like a symbologist to uncover mysteries and history by solving cryptograms and cracking codes that relate to Freemasonry, the Knights Templar, the Illuminati, and other secret societies and conspiracy theories.

You'll get easy-to-follow instructions for solving everything from the simplest puzzles to fiendishly difficult ciphers using secret codes and lost symbols.Over 350 handcrafted cryptograms and ciphers of varying typesTips and tricks for cracking even the toughest codeSutherland is a syndicated puzzle author; Koltko-Rivera is an expert on the major symbols and ceremonies of Freemasonry

With the helpful information in this friendly guide, you'll be unveiling mysteries and shedding light on history in no time!

Su Doku For Dummies offers more puzzles than any other book available.

This pocket-sized guide to the biggest craze for Summer 2005 features:

* Easy to follow illustrated instructions

* Guidance on how to play the game and different strategies to tackle the puzzles

* 240 addictive new puzzles from basic to fiendish

This guide is perfect for newcomers to Su Doku as well as experienced Su Doku players looking to improve their game and addicts who just can't get enough new puzzles

Su Doku (or Sudoku) has been dubbed the Rubik's Cube of the 21st century, it's a cryptic and highly addictive puzzle that involves inserting numbers in a 9x9 grid and making sure that every row and every column and every 3x3 box within the bigger grid contains all the digits from one to nine.

All it takes is the ability to identify the numerals 1-9, a sense for logic, a methodical cast of mind and a large measure of application to boot. You can get better and quicker, if you put your mind to it. And there is no predicting who will excel: you can be a disaster at maths and a whiz at Su Doku

Make stunning furniture, shelves, and more, with this easy guide Woodworking For Dummies gives aspiring woodworkers step-by-step instructions for creating successful woodworking projects. Set your sights on creating beautiful wooden pieces, with your own two hands. Woodworking is a fun and fascinating hobby, and you'll love developing your skills and enjoying the satisfaction of craftsmanship. This book explains, in simple terms, the basic tools you'll need, the different types of wood you can work with, and the process of creating plans for a successful project. Start sawing, sanding, joining, and finishing wood projects you can be proud of. One-of-a-kind, handmade woodcrafts are excellent as additions to your home and gifts for others, and you can even start a small business selling your handiwork. This For Dummies primer makes this cool activity accessible to anyone. Start a new hobby, work with your hands, and see your visions come to life Learn about classic and cutting-edge woodworking tools Differentiate between the different kinds of wood and select the right materials for your project Become a woodworker with easy-to-use photos and instructions Even if you've never picked up a saw before, this For Dummies guide will help you get started--and it's a great reference and refresher for those who already know what they're doing, too.

Poker is America’s national card game, and its popularity continues to grow. Nationwide, you can find a game in progress everywhere. If you want to play, you can find poker games on replicas of 19th century riverboats or on Native American tribal lands. You can play poker at home with the family or online with opponents from around the world. Like bowling and billiards before it, poker has moved out from under the seedier side of its roots and is flowering in the sunshine.

Maybe you’ve never played poker before and you don’t even know what a full house is. Poker For Dummies covers the basics. Or perhaps you've played for years, but you just don’t know how to win. This handy guide will help you walk away from the poker table with winnings, not lint, in your pockets. If you’re a poker expert, you still can benefit – some of the suggestions may surprise you, and you can certainly learn from the anecdotes from professional players like T.J. Cloutier and Stu Unger.

Know what it takes to start winning hand after hand by exploring strategy; getting to know antes and betting structure; knowing your opponents, and understanding the odds. Poker For Dummies also covers the following topics and more:

• Poker games such as Seven-Card Stud, Omaha, and Texas Hold'em
• Setting up a game at home
• Playing in a casino: Do's and don'ts
• Improving your play with Internet and video poker
• Deciphering poker sayings and slang
• Ten ways to read your opponent's body language
• Playing in poker tournaments
• Money management and recordkeeping
• Knowing when and how to bluff

Poker looks like such a simple game. Anyone, it seems, can play it well – but that's far from the truth. Learning the rules can be quick work, but becoming a winning player takes considerably longer. Still, anyone willing to make the effort can become a good player. You can succeed in poker the way you succeed in life: by facing it squarely, getting up earlier than the next person, and working harder and smarter than the competition.

Betfair is the world's leading online betting exchange. Launched in 2000, its annual revenues reached GBP145m in 2006. In the last year, Betfair has more than doubled its number of registered users. Since the first edition of the book was published, the total number of Betfair websites has risen to 18, and an Australian exchange has launched. The services Betfair offer have also expanded, including a telephone betting operation and new games including poker, blackjack and baccarat. This is the definitive insider's guide to playing - and winning - on Betfair. Written by Betfair insiders it gives you the full picture of how Betfair works; it explains the terms and jargon, helps you get started on the site, introduces every type of play - including poker and the Betfair Casino - and offers tips and insider know-how that both newcomers seasoned Betfair punters can use to maximise returns.

This is it-the key that unlocks the riches of GURPS (Generic Universal Role Playing System) and gives you a wealth of information on how to create your character and fine-tune your play. Produced in partnership with Steve Jackson Games, the game's creator, GURPS For Dummies is the ideal companion to GURPS Basic Set, 4th Edition that explains the rules. It gives you insight into the choices you'll make in everything from creating a fun, dynamic character using the allotted number of points, to playing in an adventure, to becoming a GM. Whether you want to be an Amazon princess or a stalwart warrior, an old-fashioned swashbuckler or a modern investigator, a tough cop or a cat burglar, a sorcerer casting spells or a cosmic ranger, fighting lawlessness in the asteroids, this guide will help you: * Determine your character's basic attributes: IQ, DX (dexterity), ST (strength) and HT (health)* Figure out your character's secondary characteristics* Choose advantages (including powers and perks) and disadvantages (including quirks and disadvantages with a self-control roll modifier)* Optimize your points by using talents* Select your skills based on functional area or the campaign setting* Enhance your character with spells, magic items, magic staves, and powerstones* Strategically purchase equipment for different characters, tech levels, and campaign types* Create and manage a character sheet, write a character background, keep a character log, and more-all with samples* Choose good combat techniques and play with your character If you want to become a GM, this guide gets you going with advice on creating the adventure, managing the character creation process, managing combat, and interpreting the rules. There's even a handy Cheat Sheet tear-out GM screen in the front of the book. There are tips throughout, plus advice on how to:* Create your very own GURPS universe for your campaign, whether it's dungeon-crawl, high-adventure, combat-focused, puzzle-focused, or masquerade-type* Provide a basic write-up of the world for your players, including technology level, supernatural and supernormal abilities and powers, races, setting, character templates, cultural and social information, and limitations* Create an electronic combat grid, a battle log, a tactical map, and more-with samples* Do mapping, planning, and plotting* Create memorable NPC (nonplayer characters), both good guys and bad guys GURPS For Dummies helps you create more detailed, exciting, and interesting characters and take your game to the next level. That's important whether you're saving a princess or saving the planet...searching for hidden treasure or for secrets to eliminate disease...fighting crime or combating armies of evil robots...casting spells in medieval castles or destroying terrorist cells in modern day milieus. With GURPS, the only limitation is your imagination.

The fun and easy way to take poker online Five years ago, 50 million people were playing poker recreationally or professionally. Now that number is more than 100 million, including a huge influx of young people. Online betting is up nearly four-fold over the past year, with total wagers running over USD30 billion. Winning at Internet Poker For Dummies provides the lowdown on the hottest game around, highlighting the best sites and virtual games and showing how to make secure online bets. The book covers setting up an account, securing funds, navigating a basic online poker game, using Internet abbreviations and lingo, observing online poker etiquette, playing popular online poker games such as Texas Hold 'Em and Omaha, devising a winning strategy, and participating in tournaments. Mark "The Red" Harlan (Santa Clara, CA) is cofounder of CyberArts Licensing, a company working on the next-generation Internet poker room, gamesgrid.com. During the course of his 20-year Silicon Valley career, he designed eBay's bidding schema, was the Human Interface Evangelist at Apple Computer, and wrote the popular "Notes from the Fringe" column at InfoWorld.; Chris Derossi (Henderson, NV) is also a co

"Sudoku For Dummies" Volume 3 will offer 240 original and addictive puzzles including new circular and 16 x 16 puzzles to add new dimensions to game play and keep the most avid Sudoku fan entertained. Of the 240 puzzles, 220 are the popular 9x9 puzzles, 10 are 16 x 16, and 10 are circular puzzles. Within each of these categories there are Easy, Tricky, Tough and Diabolical puzzle ratings; and each puzzle is clearly identified with the rating.

More than just a listing of puzzles, "Sudoku For Dummies, " Volume 3 features a chapter explaining how to solve puzzles and the strategies involved. Additionally, readers receive all puzzle solutions in the back of the book. Finally, "Sudoku For Dummies," Volume 3 includes a brief history of Sudoku (or Su Doku) for those interested. Descriptions of the puzzles are listed below.

Circular Sudoku (10 included: 3 Easy, 3 Tricky, 2 Tough, and 2 Diabolical)
The rules are similar to the normal 9x9 Sudoku but with some important differences. The puzzle is circular for a start, with 8 concentric rings. Each ring must contain the numbers 1-8 and each segment running into the centre of the circle and through to the opposite side of the circle must contain the numbers 1 - 8 and or course there can be no duplicate numbers

16 x 16 Sudoku (10 included: 3 Easy, 3 Tricky, 2 Tough, and 2 Diabolical)
The grid is larger at 16 x 16 and solvers must fit the letters A-F into the grid alongside the numbers 0-9. 16 x 16 Sudoku are more difficult, take more time and are more infuriating than the normal puzzles - but just as addictive

The ultimate card-player's companion Card games bring people of all ages together, whether for fun or competition. Inside, you'll find expert tips and guidance on how to use strategy, memory, cleverness, and more to become a better player at some of the world's most popular card games. With easy-to-follow explanations for each game including their origins, rules, and tactics, you can quickly become a master card player. 6 Books Inside * Card Games For Dummies * Bridge For Dummies, 4th Edition * Poker For Dummies * Texas Hold'em For Dummies * Winning at Internet Poker For Dummies * Casino Gambling For Dummies