What do you think?
Rate this book
Super System 2
Doyle Brunsons Super System
- GenresNonfictionGamesReference
672 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2005
207 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Doyle Brunson
55 books23 followersDoyle Brunson, nicknamed "Texas Dolly" is an American poker player, who won the World Series of Poker in 1976 and 1977.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 14, 2019
Wow, what a disappointment
"The Most Anticipated Book in the History of Poker!" exclaims a blurb on the cover. Well, if so, I can tell you that a lot of people have been, or are going to be, VERY disappointed. Comparing the classic Super/System from 1978 with this book is, to paraphrase Mark Twain, like comparing lightening to the lightening bug.
This book is more of a tribute to Doyle Brunson than it is "A Course in Power Poker." Johnny Chan writes a fairly vacuous Preface in which he lauds Brunson, but doesn't say anything about how to play. Then we have Brunson's Introduction in which he tells us mostly about the contributors to the first Super/System. Next there is an autobiographical sketch by Brunson entitled, "My Story." (If you want a book that gives the real flavor of Brunson's "story," get a copy of According to Doyle (1984). It contains 47 chapters in which Brunson recalls his early days and life on the road.)
Following "My Story" is a short history of Texas Hold'em by Crandell Addington which isn't much, and then there is the first chapter that could actually be considered part of a course in power poker. This would be 43 tips from Mike Caro cribbed from his lectures and books. However the tips are hardly "exclusive" for SuperSystem2 as claimed. Beginning with Caro's cute but now very familiar, "In the beginning, everything was even money," most or all of the tips have been recycled. For example, Tip #18, page 146, "WHEN A FREQUENT BETTOR CHECKS TO YOU...don't bluff" is just about the same as Tip #10 "Seldom bluff if frequent bluffers have checked into you" found on page 137 in Caro's Fundamental Secrets of Winning Poker (1996). In fact Caro even recycles his "exclusive" tips in this very book. Tip #31 says that PLAYERS STARING AWAY...are almost always more dangerous than players staring at you," while Tip #40 says in part that "OPPONENTS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BET OR RAISE IF THEY ARE: ...(3) staring away."
Jennifer Harman's chapter on limit hold'em is so ordinary that it's remedial. There's not even a hint of anything new. There are a number of books on the market that cover the same ground much more thoroughly. I especially recommend Small Stakes Hold'em: Winning Big with Expert Play (2004) by Ed Miller, David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth or anything by Sklansky. Also her insistence on referring to hands backwards, "6-7" (e.g., on p. 252) instead of "76" is annoying and contrary to a well-established convention.
And the caricatures by Russ Braun! They are so bland and flattering that each may have passed prior inspection by the subject's mother. Comparing these to the witty and sharp work by Stan Hunt in the original is like comparing a cliche to something alive and vital. Brunson doesn't even look like himself. Here he's just a generic, smiling, dough boy kind of guy--except in the small, clever, lifelike drawing gracing page 7 which WAS drawn by Stan Hunt, copied from the first book.
Good are the chapters on Omaha and Stud Eight-or-Better. However, although Brunson has Bobby Baldwin billed as his author of the Omaha Eight-or-Better chapter, actually it was written (as acknowledged) by Mark Gregorich. He does a good job of introducing the game and giving some of the strategies, and I'm sure he is a fine player, but what about Bobby Baldwin? Well, as CEO of Mirage Corporation and President of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Bobby is far, far too busy to write the chapter himself. So he just lent his name and his supervision. Can you spell R-I-P-O-F-F?
Perhaps the most embarrassing part of the book is Doyle's chapter on no limit hold'em. It is little more than a reprise of the same chapter in the first book published 28 years ago.
Also recycled is the section on "Colorful Names of Various Hold'em Hands" on pages 628 and 629. The dated references to Raquel Welch ("38") and Broderick Crawford ("10-4") seem more than a little out of touch. Indeed, this book is nostalgic tribute to Brunson and the great success he and the original book achieved. And that is a shame, because this book is billed as an exciting event in the history of the publication of books on poker when in fact it is something hastily put together to flatter Brunson and, hopefully, the pocketbook of those involved.
One final thing: there is a Glossary, suitable for beginners, which is okay as it defines such things a "Deuce," "Flush," "Four of a Kind," etc., but seems a little basic for "A Course in Power Poker." Worse though is this definition of a "Cold Deck": "A term often used to describe the deck by players who feel they're not getting enough playable or winning hands." Players may indeed remark that "the deck is cold," but the origin of the term comes from the fact that a stacked deck used by cheaters that is switched into the game tends to be "cold" to the touch since it has not been handled since it was stacked.
Bottom line: pass.
--Dennis Littrell, author of “The World Is Not as We Think It Is”
"The Most Anticipated Book in the History of Poker!" exclaims a blurb on the cover. Well, if so, I can tell you that a lot of people have been, or are going to be, VERY disappointed. Comparing the classic Super/System from 1978 with this book is, to paraphrase Mark Twain, like comparing lightening to the lightening bug.
This book is more of a tribute to Doyle Brunson than it is "A Course in Power Poker." Johnny Chan writes a fairly vacuous Preface in which he lauds Brunson, but doesn't say anything about how to play. Then we have Brunson's Introduction in which he tells us mostly about the contributors to the first Super/System. Next there is an autobiographical sketch by Brunson entitled, "My Story." (If you want a book that gives the real flavor of Brunson's "story," get a copy of According to Doyle (1984). It contains 47 chapters in which Brunson recalls his early days and life on the road.)
Following "My Story" is a short history of Texas Hold'em by Crandell Addington which isn't much, and then there is the first chapter that could actually be considered part of a course in power poker. This would be 43 tips from Mike Caro cribbed from his lectures and books. However the tips are hardly "exclusive" for SuperSystem2 as claimed. Beginning with Caro's cute but now very familiar, "In the beginning, everything was even money," most or all of the tips have been recycled. For example, Tip #18, page 146, "WHEN A FREQUENT BETTOR CHECKS TO YOU...don't bluff" is just about the same as Tip #10 "Seldom bluff if frequent bluffers have checked into you" found on page 137 in Caro's Fundamental Secrets of Winning Poker (1996). In fact Caro even recycles his "exclusive" tips in this very book. Tip #31 says that PLAYERS STARING AWAY...are almost always more dangerous than players staring at you," while Tip #40 says in part that "OPPONENTS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BET OR RAISE IF THEY ARE: ...(3) staring away."
Jennifer Harman's chapter on limit hold'em is so ordinary that it's remedial. There's not even a hint of anything new. There are a number of books on the market that cover the same ground much more thoroughly. I especially recommend Small Stakes Hold'em: Winning Big with Expert Play (2004) by Ed Miller, David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth or anything by Sklansky. Also her insistence on referring to hands backwards, "6-7" (e.g., on p. 252) instead of "76" is annoying and contrary to a well-established convention.
And the caricatures by Russ Braun! They are so bland and flattering that each may have passed prior inspection by the subject's mother. Comparing these to the witty and sharp work by Stan Hunt in the original is like comparing a cliche to something alive and vital. Brunson doesn't even look like himself. Here he's just a generic, smiling, dough boy kind of guy--except in the small, clever, lifelike drawing gracing page 7 which WAS drawn by Stan Hunt, copied from the first book.
Good are the chapters on Omaha and Stud Eight-or-Better. However, although Brunson has Bobby Baldwin billed as his author of the Omaha Eight-or-Better chapter, actually it was written (as acknowledged) by Mark Gregorich. He does a good job of introducing the game and giving some of the strategies, and I'm sure he is a fine player, but what about Bobby Baldwin? Well, as CEO of Mirage Corporation and President of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Bobby is far, far too busy to write the chapter himself. So he just lent his name and his supervision. Can you spell R-I-P-O-F-F?
Perhaps the most embarrassing part of the book is Doyle's chapter on no limit hold'em. It is little more than a reprise of the same chapter in the first book published 28 years ago.
Also recycled is the section on "Colorful Names of Various Hold'em Hands" on pages 628 and 629. The dated references to Raquel Welch ("38") and Broderick Crawford ("10-4") seem more than a little out of touch. Indeed, this book is nostalgic tribute to Brunson and the great success he and the original book achieved. And that is a shame, because this book is billed as an exciting event in the history of the publication of books on poker when in fact it is something hastily put together to flatter Brunson and, hopefully, the pocketbook of those involved.
One final thing: there is a Glossary, suitable for beginners, which is okay as it defines such things a "Deuce," "Flush," "Four of a Kind," etc., but seems a little basic for "A Course in Power Poker." Worse though is this definition of a "Cold Deck": "A term often used to describe the deck by players who feel they're not getting enough playable or winning hands." Players may indeed remark that "the deck is cold," but the origin of the term comes from the fact that a stacked deck used by cheaters that is switched into the game tends to be "cold" to the touch since it has not been handled since it was stacked.
Bottom line: pass.
--Dennis Littrell, author of “The World Is Not as We Think It Is”
July 29, 2015
And here is the bible to poker part 2
December 11, 2020
Malmuth rates this one about an 7
---
Definately an underwhelming book compared to the first one
but there is some good information there, even with all the stylistic minuses
---
Definately an underwhelming book compared to the first one
but there is some good information there, even with all the stylistic minuses
October 14, 2024
Not what I thought. I thought this book was going to purely be Poker Concepts applied to NLHE, but to my surprise, this covers all the mixed games that I've been enjoying and trying to get material on for some time. Doyle took some of the best pros and had them elaborate on a specific game with some amazing advice. I read this all the way through, and will probably purchase this book to re-read and use as a reference.
March 8, 2020
Another fun, historical read. As with the first book, a lot of games were covered that I don't really find out there in the world too often. It was fun to see what some of the big names had to say at that time.
September 28, 2024
What an inside view of the game from the most experienced player in the world. I learnt so much about analysis, probabilities, risk management, and human psychology from this book. My game is improving and probably will get worse before it gets better but I am happy to read this for guidance.
December 11, 2018
A must read for any serious poker player
July 19, 2025
PULL THE SAME MOVE AGAIN 👌
June 26, 2009
Doyle Brunson (ed.), Super/System 2 (Cardoza, 2005)
The cover of Super/System 2 touts it as the most anticipated book in poker history. Given that the original is the most influential book in poker history, I can understand that, but you have to figure that such a thing is kind of setting the reader up for a letdown. After all, the reason the original was so influential is that when it came out, very few people understood the tenets contained within. Now it's over a quarter-century later, and every poker player beyond the most causal free-money Internet player understands the strategies therein; these days they're poker 101. Who doesn't know that suited connectors are worth calling a raise with if you've put your opponent on a high pair?
The good thing about the book, and it does comprise the bulk, is that some games have changed in popularity since the first book, and so there are chapters covering games that didn't appear in the original Super/System. These chapters are well worth the price of admission unless you specialize in a single game; I definitely advise buying the book along with its predecessor to get an overview of some games that are just now increasing in popularity. The bad part of the book (and I use “bad” as a relative term here; it's still well-written, solid work) is that the rest of it treads much the same ground as the first one; as before, a large bulk of the book is devoted to No-Limit Hold'em, and the strategies haven't changed a great deal. A lot of that part will look very familiar.
Still, it's worth picking up if you're even a casual fan of poker. Knowledge is power, especially at the poker table. ****
The cover of Super/System 2 touts it as the most anticipated book in poker history. Given that the original is the most influential book in poker history, I can understand that, but you have to figure that such a thing is kind of setting the reader up for a letdown. After all, the reason the original was so influential is that when it came out, very few people understood the tenets contained within. Now it's over a quarter-century later, and every poker player beyond the most causal free-money Internet player understands the strategies therein; these days they're poker 101. Who doesn't know that suited connectors are worth calling a raise with if you've put your opponent on a high pair?
The good thing about the book, and it does comprise the bulk, is that some games have changed in popularity since the first book, and so there are chapters covering games that didn't appear in the original Super/System. These chapters are well worth the price of admission unless you specialize in a single game; I definitely advise buying the book along with its predecessor to get an overview of some games that are just now increasing in popularity. The bad part of the book (and I use “bad” as a relative term here; it's still well-written, solid work) is that the rest of it treads much the same ground as the first one; as before, a large bulk of the book is devoted to No-Limit Hold'em, and the strategies haven't changed a great deal. A lot of that part will look very familiar.
Still, it's worth picking up if you're even a casual fan of poker. Knowledge is power, especially at the poker table. ****
March 21, 2007
The limit hold 'em section is good
Tthe omaha section is excellent.
Doyle Brunson's chapter on NL is the only advice I've read on how to play using the super-agressive style, but it seems to only offer the essense of it-- still, it contains good material.
Doyle Brunson's NL Tournament chapter doesn't offer much additional insight.
Mike Caro's chapter is weak.
I only skimmed Todd Brunson's stud chapter because it is very limited in scope (it only focus on the hi-lo split version of the game).
I also only skimmed Negraneu's chapter on lowball, but I would say that it is probably not usefull to most players; not many people get invovled in lowball games.
The rest of the material is just filler.
Tthe omaha section is excellent.
Doyle Brunson's chapter on NL is the only advice I've read on how to play using the super-agressive style, but it seems to only offer the essense of it-- still, it contains good material.
Doyle Brunson's NL Tournament chapter doesn't offer much additional insight.
Mike Caro's chapter is weak.
I only skimmed Todd Brunson's stud chapter because it is very limited in scope (it only focus on the hi-lo split version of the game).
I also only skimmed Negraneu's chapter on lowball, but I would say that it is probably not usefull to most players; not many people get invovled in lowball games.
The rest of the material is just filler.
May 8, 2009
It's useful for getting a basic introduction to various forms of poker but none of the sections are detailed enough to provide much insight. The most useful sections are the ones on Triple Draw and Omaha8 as there is not much written about either of those games and the advice, while basic, is more than enough to give you an edge in nano-limit games online. The NLHE section is probably the least useful as the low limit games online are saturated with player who've read at least a little about this game and who, therefore, know at least as much as you will after reading this book. If you really want to learn NLHE then buy a dedicated book.
January 14, 2014
I read this book to get better at no limit hold-em. I got better, but I don't think there was much that was revolutionary in the book and roughly 2/3 of it is not about no limit hold-em. The section on body-language and tells was the most interesting and useful to me. The book is written in a plain-English and accessible way, so it's a good pick for moderate players or folks that have been playing poker for a while but are looking to enter some tournaments.
June 10, 2014
pretty much the bible of poker players... taking a break from the game to get my bankroll in order and head on right, but this has helped me become a winning HORSE player. I especially liked the PLO, stud 8 and prop bets chapters. Doyle's no limit chapter has messed with my game a bit... the loose aggressive style just isn't for me. I'd rather play a steady tight style, as it fits my bankroll more and I prefer the mixed games anyway.... great read though
January 3, 2009
I only read two sections of the book. The one on Texas Hold'em and also the chapter about the Caro University. I read it before my first trip to Atlantic City. It had a lot of useful information - but you should take notes! It is also more designed for advanced players so I would recommend another book first for beginner poker players.
June 13, 2008
Probably the second best book for beginner who want to learn some of the finer points of poker. Get into some of the more complex games that are a lot more fun and has a GREAT section on 5-card Draw by Mike Caro. Good time.
June 19, 2008
Super System 2 is the perfect first book for anyone desiring to develop a firm foundation in all the poker disciplines.
With chapters authored by Doyle, Mike Caro, Steve Zolotow, Jennifer Harman, Bobby Baldwin, Todd Brunson, Lyle Berman and Daniel Negreanu how can you go wrong!
With chapters authored by Doyle, Mike Caro, Steve Zolotow, Jennifer Harman, Bobby Baldwin, Todd Brunson, Lyle Berman and Daniel Negreanu how can you go wrong!
April 26, 2007
It's too similar to the original to give good marks to. The only additions are "theories" for online poker.
December 12, 2007
The solutions to poker after the boom. Patience young Grasshopper....
May 27, 2009
The update to the original, the NL is untouched but adds some H/L games in there which pays for itself in a single session. I like the blue cover as it is new and shiny.
June 15, 2009
Good stuff.
July 20, 2009
This is the reason I seperate you from your $$$ at the poker table!
September 12, 2009
If you like to play Texas Holdem Poker, then you have got to read this book from the ultimate poker legend.
Currently reading
April 20, 2010if u wanna play poker. this book is the shit!
July 21, 2013
Very good when you're learning poker and what are the basis of aggressiv poker....
June 24, 2012
One of the best poker books around when it comes to strategy
July 28, 2013
This is the Poker Bible, if you love this game, this is the book to read.
November 25, 2013
not was i looking for
June 22, 2007
Brunson section on Texas No-Limit Hold-em is a classic
July 11, 2012
If you read the first one you dont need this one
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews