Big Deal

Whilst in Los Angeles covering the poker world championships, Anthony Holden almost inadvertently found himself competing - and winning. Thus was born his bizarre ambition to devote a year to playing poker professionally. This is the story of that year, complete with heroes, eccentrics and comedians. It is a story of days and nights in Las Vegas, in Malta and Morocco, even on board ship, mingling with the top players, sharpening his game, perfecting his repartee and learning a great deal about himself in the process. Laurence Olivier.