If you are an experienced player looking to fine tune your game this
book is a great resource. It was written as a companion guide to the
original Super System and so this book covers different games than
the original. Because many of the games in the original are mostly
obsolete in the casinos the original book has less value than when
written in the late 70's and so for most newer players they need only
buy this book rather than both.
You will miss 7 stud and 7 stud low(Razz)and the three draw games but you won't be missing much if you only buy this book. For example, Ace to 5 draw lowball is mostly history as is Jacks or better draw and 2-7 no limit draw is mainly a tournament game now, and 7-stud high-low without an 8 qualifier is obsolete. So, as far as an updated version, it is pretty good, covering Omaha 8 or better, 7-stud 8 or better, pot-limit Omaha, and limit 2-7 triple draw as well as limit and no limit holdem and the minor sections covering online and tournament play.
One of the drawbacks in many player's views is the lack of an updated No Limit section, and while I mostly agree, I think after going through both books that the mix of games chosen for this book are thought to be more current and Brunson may truly feel that the original no limit material is in whole solid enough to reinsert into a mainly replacement version of the original Super System.
Keep in mind also that he has stated over the years that he probably cost himself millions of dollars after writing Super System and had to make many "adjustments" to keep winning. If that is true why would he give away all of his "adjustment" material only to have to go back and re-invent his game once again at 70+ years old?
The real value is for the more experienced players looking to fine
tune their game in one of the covered disciplines rather than as a
complete how-to-play each game. The book is geared for the professional
or aspiring professional who already thinks beyond the basics. The
average player looking for in depth tutorials in each game will probably
be a little over his head until he gets a lot of play under his belt
and maybe not even then. It is written by professionals and their
approach to the game is several levels beyond the average players
experience and understanding.
There is much to be learned here but you need a certain level of knowledge and game experience to take full advantage not only of the games covered, but also to appreciate the subtle but important ideas they give you for playing at the upper levels. Likewise you need to ignore the 20% or so of "filler" and not allow it to distract you from the real value of the book.
The book probably won't help a losing or average player to win because they are just not yet at the point that they can fully understand all of the discussion and since there is not much basic or foundation material covered it will be more difficult to grasp. I think it will be of more help to the already winning and advanced players looking to fine tune an already solid grasp of each game.
