'World Poker Travel Guide,' 'Las Vegas Your Way' fine timesavers

Two helpful, refreshing resources, The World Poker Travel Guide by Tanya Peck and Jordan Devenport (232 pages, paperbound, $19.95) and Las Vegas Your Way -- A Travel Guide for the Value Conscious Consumer (173 pages, paperbound, $13.99) by Lou Gifford, each has its own unique way of saving the buyer time and money while answering a multitude of questions.

Peck and Devenport truly saw a need for their handy little reference guide. So many people have so many questions such as when is the next major tournament at such and such a hotel; what can I expect outside the United States; whom do I contact by phone or e-mail about entering, making reservations; what kind of accommodations are offered; and how would you describe the poker room and atmosphere?

Published in late 2009, this easy-to-read and easy-to-use timesaving reference helps the novice or veteran player isolate some of the best vacation spots; where some of the looser games can be expected; any reward programs offered; and how good the dining might be. There are 12 chapters to this guide including a look at California, Las Vegas, Reno, Atlantic City, Connecticut, Mississippi, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Winners of past major tournaments are listed -- the World Series of Poker, World Poker Tour and others internationally.

The book includes tournament schedules, stakes and rakes (when available, and of course, subject to change).

Overall, what we have here is a super must-have for yourself or for those who accompany you to tournament play.

Las Vegas Your Way is the result of many hour of research by author Gifford, who answers many questions about where to stay and what to see, and how to save money. He offers reasons why you might like to stay at an off-Strip hotel and casino; which shows and tours provide value; where to buy discount tickets for shows; how to save money on food; and what to expect if you're visiting a nightclub.

It's all about having fun and making your bankroll last. What games are offered, table etiquette, the games' basics, getting comps, transportation options, tipping, free attractions, with a nice section on what the weather's like at various times of the year so you can pack and dress accordingly.

If you've never been to Las Vegas or need a resource to help make the next vacation more pleasureable, Las Vegas Your Way can help.

Copyright Gambler's Book Shop. All books reviewed in this article are available from Gambler's Book Shop (Gambler's Book Club), located at 630 South 11th Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 and online at www.gamblersbook.com.