Chip tricks, such as the well-known chip shuffle, have been around for almost as long as chip games. However, over the past couple of years, a new level of interest in chip tricks has arisen because of the popularity of poker and because viewers see poker pros doing these tricks at poker events on television. Part of this interest comes from the focus on players’ hands during these televised poker games. Part of it is because the players look so cool performing these tricks. The result is the emergence of chip trick superstars like Dutch Boyd and segments dedicated exclusively to chip tricks on ESPN during the World Series of Poker.
Some of the well-known players make chip tricks look so easy! At the 2004 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Tournament of Champions, viewers saw Annie Duke effortlessly and endlessly shuffling her chips on the way to the title. And, during the 2003 WSOP, Antonio Esfandiari and Evelyn Ng made jaws drop with their finger feats. Watching these players is what inspired Jen Teti and Ross Watson to learn chip tricks.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t that easy: there were very few places to turn to for good, complete information on how to perform chip tricks and absolutely no books that covered this material. That’s why, after the authors mastered the tricks, they decided to write a book with detailed instructions and step-by-step pictures. This is that book.
CHIP TRICKS: Look Like a Poker Pro provides readers with detailed instructions and photographs illustrating each and every step for approximately 31 chip tricks. The book is written in a witty, easy-to-read style and is jam-packed with over 200 photographs (see samples below). The book also covers related topics, such as where to practice the trick and how to ensure that one’s newly-learned chip tricks don’t become "tells" at the poker table.
CHIP TRICKS breaks down all the top tricks, from basics like the front to back, switches and chip snaps, to more advanced tricks like the back spin, salt shaker and the pull under, from "magic" tricks like the twirl, the knuckle roll and the butterfly, to killer combinations. And, the most amazing thing is that after practicing for a while (it’s really quite addictive), readers will realize that most of the tricks aren’t even that complicated. By following this book’s clearly written instructions and step-by-step photos, readers will never wonder where their fingers need to go. It’s really that simple.
RossWatson and Jen Teti are masters of chip tricks. When not at their day jobs, they can be found trickin' their way through online tournaments, flipping chips in Atlantic City, or scaring, er, impressing their friends at home games with their mad skillz.
