If you could take lessons from ONE pro, who would it be?

[Zybomb]

Mike Matusow really impressed me with his "You have AK right? And you just folded an Ace right? BOOM 60%" analysis at the WSOP.

I'd still want lessons though from a player who is aggressive but not insane. As much as you have to respect players such as Gus Hanson, Antonio Esfandiari and Lane Flack, I simply wouldnt want to learn from them... they are flat out too reckless (the worst is Todo Leonidas [sp] ) which is why they are all over the place, have huge swings, and are generally inconsistant.

I'd much rather learn from Phil Ivey (who is very aggressive but not crazy) or Daniel Negreanu, who is probably the best person in the world at reading hands and making correct decisions.

[BlibbityBlabbity]

Daniel N. No question. I think he is right up there with the other top players (who all would be good to learn from), but I think getting insight into his reading abilities and the fact that he would make it fun to learn, put him at the top of the list IMO.

[JDMcNugent7]

For just all around solid play - i might go with Howard Ledered - although i dont think he makes too many fancy moves or mixes it up like the other guys do - he obviously knows how to play

My second choice would be Phil Ivey - once i was more advanced and ready to mix it up a bit.

[Aequitas58]

You don't give Toto enough respect.

[Zybomb]

Probably true... and he has a track record so you have to. I personally think Phil Helmouth's assessment of him was 100% correct though. He does not consistently make finals tables because he is simply too reckless.... not taking anything away from his playing ability -- just not really my style

[omahilo]

Toto and Gus Hansen are Final table or bust...

They will either lose in the 1st day or make it to the FT and/or go deep into the tourney.

[BDMK]

dan harrington.

his book, HOH, is the new bible of poker IMHO.

plus, the guy won the 95 WSOP and made final tables back-to-back in 03 and 04. no small feat.

[Talking Poker]

Why waste your free lessons on someone who wrote TWO books for you already???

My choice is Negreanu, but Phil Ivey would be a very close second.

[eddo31]

i'm going with ivey.

i really like negreanu, but i think that ivey is a better player.

the reason i have these two at the top of the list is two fold. first, they are both great players. second, they both excel in a wide variety of games and conditions. they are both great tourney players, both can play a bunch of games at a world class level, and they both can make the adjustments between playing full ring, shorthanded, and heads up.

i dont think that you could go wrong with either of these two, bu\ i have to go with ivey.

[BDMK]

well...i think a book can only teach you as much, good as it is...

i'd always much rather have the author in person, if possible, than their book.