Million Dollar Poker System

  Love him or hate him, Phil Hellmuth has established himself as a top poker tournament player having won and placed high in many World Series of Poker games. That being said, his "Million Dollar Poker" series falls short of its goals of teaching viewers how to become better poker players and win more championships (and more money).  Following the footpaths of many other contemporary poker DVD producers, Hellmuth's "Million Dollar Poker System" focuses too much on giving viewers only basic poker tournament information and presents little advanced or high-level strategies. Moreover, the DVD focuses almost exclusively on Limit Hold'em cash games rather than tournament play or any other type of poker game. Hellmuth may want to consider modifying the title adding "for beginners" or "limit hold'em" so the buyers know what they are getting themselves into.  Though the basic poker advice he gives is adequate, it falls short of being a good poker how-to guide for beginners. Hellmuth oversimplifies hand strategies, calling and raising and doesn't explain them in detail, something a beginner player needs. He does give a decent review of pot odds and newbies to the game are sure to find this section valuable. They may find his examples of hand strategies useful and his explanations of them decent but a player with even a little bit of live experience won't get much from this DVD.  The man certainly enjoys telling tales of his poker game conquests and he has a way of reeling the viewer in with his gestures and swagger. Fans of Hellmuth may find his antics humorous and entertaining. However, those who don't know Hellmuth may find his behavior annoying especially since they are not learning much of anything from watching the video.  Unless you are a die-hard Phil Hellmuth fan, pass on this DVD for your collection.