Review of Sit ‘n Go Strategy by Colin Moshman
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With the market for generalist poker books essentially flooded at this point, publishers are quickly turning to texts that cover more specific formats to capture reader’s attention. One result of that shift is Colin Moshman’s book from 2+2 that focuses exclusively on single table tournaments, commonly referred to as SNGs (sit and gos). In addition to being an author for 2+2, Moshman is also the lead instructor for SNG play over at poker training site Stox Poker (read our review of Stox Poker here).
Book Structure
Laid out in typical 2+2 format. The text progresses in a linear fashion through the basic stages of SNG play, with a couple of flanking chapters that address meta-game issues. Chapters are separated generally by concept, and each chapter has a substructure of concept description followed by concept illustration through a series of quizzes.
Pros
This is pretty much the definitive text for single-table SNG play at this point. Moshman is a very successful SNG player with a brutal amount of game experience (and a serious amount of instructional experience as well), and he’s built a great guide to fundamental SNG play.
The 2+2 style is always effective in communicating and reinforcing game concepts, and this book is no exception. While it’s not always the most elegant style from an aesthetic standpoint, the format and layout of the book definitely promotes comprehension and retention.
This book is also a great alternative to the dozens of ‘SNG Systems’ you’ll see floating around the internet. Most cost more and provide a fraction of the insight Moshman offers.
Cons
A lot of the material Moshman presents is readily available from other sources (although not in any one place as a complete resource). The book also feels a little short at 281 pages (especially when you consider the large typeface and broad margins of 2+2 books).
A short book doesn’t have to be lacking by definition, but it did feel like Moshman left some things undercovered. There’s very little discussion of adjustments to make for multi-table SNGs (which, to be fair, isn’t the purview of the book in the strictest sense), and you also don’t get much in the way of specific line analysis or tactics for advanced play.
Conclusion
The go-to book for learning SNG play.
Focus: 10/10
Pretty precise. There’s no filler here.
Quality of advice: 10/10
Top-notch. Moshman obviously understands the game on a deep level and communicates that understanding effectively.
Examples: 8/10
Concepts are illustrated effectively and frequently - primarily with hand quizzes.
Readability: 7/10
Typical 2+2. it’s not a page turner, but few poker books are.
Overall (not an average): 8/10
Great for newer SNG players.
VERDICT: Essential if you’re learning SNGs or trying to improve. Experienced players may already be familiar with the majority of the book, but can still benefit from the refresher course.
