I mean to say, this is the book and I really loathe it and I can't imagine what a nice Jewish boy like me ever, how I ever got into this dreadful trade.

- Al Alvarez

I think one of the interesting things about poker is that once you let your ego in, you're done for.

- Al Alvarez

Yes, I think poker really isn't gambling.

- Al Alvarez

I hate writing.

- Al Alvarez

But in a tournament, you can be said in for all your money at any point so you can't make any mistakes so you have to, it's all about where you're sitting at the table.

- Al Alvarez

I absolutely don't believe in anything. Full stop. Including luck.

- Al Alvarez

I could think of worse ways of going than at the poker table.

- Al Alvarez

I mean being a writer is like being a psychoanalyst, but you don't get any patients.

- Al Alvarez

I'm good at reading people.

- Al Alvarez

Now, if, as I think, writing should be, it's a kind of risky trade.

- Al Alvarez

The fact that we write about it doesn't mean we play better than ordinary players at all.

- Al Alvarez

When you make a bet, you're saying something.

- Al Alvarez