Ghosts at the Table

Destined to become the most widely debated poker book ever, Ghosts at the Table is the definitive history of the game, compellingly told as a detective story. Des Wilson traces poker’s development in the Old West during the nineteenth century and takes us to Deadwood, South Dakota, to question whether ‘Wild’ Bill Hickok was really shot while holding aces and eights; to Tombstone, Arizona, where it is claimed that the longest poker game ever was played; and to California to chart the rise of poker palaces. Moving on to the twentieth century, Wilson drives the ‘white line’ in Texas and talks to every one of the remaining road gamblers, including the game’s godfather, Doyle Brunson. Many extraordinary stories of violence and drug taking are recounted from this era, when the game was being played illegally all over the state and the phenomenon of Texas hold ’em emerged. Wilson examines the popularity of poker in the twenty-first century and uncovers some amazing high-stakes games being played in Las Vegas.He investigates the infamous World Series confrontations, questions the credibility of poker’s Hall of Fame and reveals the shocking truth about Benny Binion, founder of the World Series of Poker. Finally, he profiles poker’s contemporary stars and charts the game’s phenomenal rise on both the Internet and television. Full of unforgettable characters, great confrontations, mysteries and myths, Ghosts at the Table is a gripping account of the history of the game that will intrigue fans and novices alike.

Reviews of Ghosts at the Table

"A tour de force, a ripping yarn and a must-have for all poker enthusiasts" The Observer "A remarkable and hugely enjoyable romp, given a delightful personal touch by the author who has in his time been journalist, thriller-writer, politician and charity worker but who has never lost a passion for poker that shines through in his writing" Daily Express