Practical Poker Math-Basic Odds & Probabilities for Hold'em & Omaha by Pat Dittmar ECW Press (2008) ISBN: 1-55022-833-1 231 pp, $29.95

He's not necessarily a media star, doesn't highfi ve his fans in the TV gallery, and he isn't a household name mentioned in the same breath as the big tournament title holders-but Pat Dittmar is a poker pro. A true journeyman, he has been playing and succeeding for 20 years, because he understands the mathematics of the game.

In his book, Dittmar answers many questions and fi lls in a lot of gaps about poker mathematics, starting with basic calculations (including combinations, permutations, and factorials) and covering it all for both hold'em and Omaha/8.

In an organized and sequential format, using sample hands and uncomplicated mathematical formulas illustrated in color, he helps the player understand what his own odds are, and his opponents' chances of improving before and after the fl op. The explanations have added visual impact because he uses red and blue text to separate various concepts. He discusses the odds that the turn card will do this or that; odds with two cards yet to come; odds of hitting on either or both the turn and river, the runner-runner, and the river bet.

In the opening pages of the book, Dittmar puts the whole concept of math- perhaps the ultimate knowledge that gives one player the edge over another-into perspective. He explains, quite simply, that, "Game Theory assumes everyone has equal common knowledge, and everyone will act in a rational manner." As most players know, even though everyone has access to this common knowledge, not everybody is smart enough to use it. (Whether all players will react in a rational manner is up for grabs.) Since no single player has complete knowledge, some folks are just better at processing the available common knowledge than others. And that's why they appear to be defying the odds when they do something the math says they shouldn't do.

Though most players might be interested in these concepts for hold'em, it's nice to see that a good deal of Dittmar's work focuses on the odds for Omaha/8. This includes before and after the flop, the nut hand or nut draw, money and expectation after the flop, odds with two cards to come, runnerrunner, and the river bet.

An interesting category is the "will" or "will not" occur. His way of presenting his poker math is unique, not heavy, yet not so simplistic. His book is for the thinking player who wants to incorporate some mathematics and an understanding of odds into his or her mode of play.