Well, I just got my media promotional copy of Phil Gordon’s Final Table Poker DVD, available on his site – EXPERTINSIGHT (www.expertinsight.com).

I have a great respect for Phil’s game and was excited to see that my offer to review the DVD was taken seriously enough to earn me a free copy, which arrived about 4 days after I sent my e-mail.

This innovative video puts you at the final-table of a major tournament sitting about 4th in chips against 5 other players. The others are a "cast" based on common player types: Butch Dude - young internet player; Harmony Jensen - a seasoned cash game player; Bruce - an affluent, hard driving player; KW - a young pro player; and Phil's Full Tilt Poker partner Chris Ferguson.

The video contains 35 chapters, 32 of which are key poker concepts from starting hands and domination, to common mistakes and tells, this DVD covers about every conceivable NL tournament topic.

As play begins, you get to sweat Phil as he reacts to his opponent’s actions around the table. You only see Phil’s hole cards but get to listen in as Phil evaluates his holdings based on the topic being covered, his position at the table, his opponent’s actions, and his opponent’s table-image. When Phil isn’t in a hand, he comments on the action of the other players based on what he knows about them.

The action at the table is rarely straight forward, allowing Phil to explain how he reevaluates his cards based on players unexpectedly entering the pot, or unexpectedly raising. The format also allows Phil to discuss how to play with a short-stack, and how to play against them, and covers heads-up play.

There are two dialogue options on the DVD, BEGINER and ADVANCED. Of course, the BEGINER setting is more basic, while the ADVANCED setting – which is the default – makes the video a good companion to the Harrington on Hold’em volumes.

This is a fun and entertaining video that illustrates how a professional player applies no-limit hold’em tournament concepts in a unique and educational format (a format I hope catches on). Check it out.

certainly seems like an ideal investment-a different approach than the normal read the books and apply it yourself angle.

should be good to actually hear what the top guys are thinking before they make their play.

reckon i might buy this....need whatever help i can get at NL

so what did ferguson have on the videon on the website

Watched the preview on the website, is that what the whole movie is like? It was pretty vague about how the hand was played, and Phil only talked about what his odds were. He never went into any detail about what he thought Chris might be holding or any tells Chris was giving off.

I might want to buy this, but not if the whole movie is as vague as the preview.

That was just a small part of it.

That chapter was "Reasons to Raise"

He didn't have enough info on Chris's play to get a real read, but he just had a feeling Chris may have him beaten.

He goes into to putting people on hands more in many other examples. He doesn't go through the detailed analysis that Harrington does though.

Chris had AA, no single chapter is ground breaking, but the sum of the parts is quite good.

BTW, I don't like the way he does pot odds, on the flop, he takes the chance of making the hand by the river. I guess based on implied odds this is ok, but I don't like that method. You should know that your immediate odds are not enough, and that you are calling based on implied odds.

I got this a few days back. It arrived from the States after only three days - good old Pony Express

I'm not a casino player but I got to say I liked this DVD. Its pretty well produced and once you get used to the American twang it really iformative.

I havet gone all the way through but I will - Although I know most of the ideas its really comforting to have Phil Gordon articulate them. If you've been playing poker a month or so -its really worth getting AND receiving AND playing it (multizone) in the UK is no problem

I also nominate "butch dude" for an Oscar this year.....

__________________
See me playing $10/$20NL like it was play money

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?...405&q=xxdemexx

Doberman: "but Sarge, isn't poker gambling and just luck?"
Sgt. Bilko:" not the way I play it"

I think Butch is worth the cost of it alone.

Hopefully Bill Fillmaff will be in the next one.

Glad you enjoyed it. Maybe Jason will add his words about it too.

hi deme, please could you let me know where you ordered it from to get it sent to england

where did you buy it from? im struggling to find good sellers of poker dvd's in the uk.