Want to learn the ins and outs of playing poker on the Internet? Then you may want to pick up a copy of the new book "Internet Poker: How to Play and Beat Online Poker Games" by Lou Krieger and Kathleen Keller Watterson. By no means will you learn to "beat online poker games", but Krieger and Watterson give a good step-by-step approach for those new to Internet poker.

For starters, this book clearly describes five of the most popular types on online poker today: Texas Hold'em, Seven-Card Stud, Omaha High-Low Split, Omaha High, and Seven-Card Stud Eight-or-Better. From there, you can walk through 25 predetermined hands of each game based on demo versions of Turbo Poker by Wilson Software, which is included on an accompanying CD. Although the Turbo Poker software includes a built-in advisor, the book complements it well by offering a more in depth view as well as another perspective.

"Internet Poker" walks you through each step involved in playing online; from registering an account, to making your first deposit, to selecting a poker game. As an Internet "timid," this is an excellent way to introduce yourself to the world of online poker. If, however, you've already played at an online casino or are fairly comfortable with the Internet, you will likely find this section a little redundant.

I was pleased to find that Krieger and Watterson took the time to suggest finding and learning more about online poker from other sources on the Internet. I do, however, question their selections as they include sites in which they appear to hold an interest. These sites include one run by the publisher of this book, and a site to an online "Poker School" to which Krieger is the "Dean". Nevertheless, these sites can open the doors to more resources, and in particular, online forums, where you can ask for help in finding better resources.

If a the accompanying CD is a selling point for you, you may be disappointed. The included CD contains a list of a mere two poker sites (who have paid to be included in the CD?) and demo versions the Turbo Poker software, which is also available from Wilson Software's website. Although the Turbo Poker software is necessary to the chapter on strategy, I would have preferred to see the CD include a more complete list of online poker sites.

Conclusion: If you've already played poker online, or if you're comfortable enough with the Internet to discover resources on your own, you won't find much original or useful information in this book. If you're a beginner to poker looking for an easy to follow strategy lesson, or a land-based poker player who's shy about the Internet, this book is definitely a good first step.