Amanda Botfeld was writing a political blog that turned intricate politics (she specializes in the Middle East) into easy-to-understand content when she decided to write a poker book. She wanted to use the same strategy as her blog: Take a serious, complicated subject and make it approachable, useful and even funny.

Her effort, “A Girl’s Guide to Poker” was published by D&B Poker and released in January. “Most poker books read like a math textbook,” says a book blurb. “This one reads like Cosmo.”

Last Wednesday, Amanda joined Poker League of Nations for a one-hour Facebook Live Takeover chat about her new book.

Here are some takeaways from her lively and entertaining session.

More than a female poker book

• Why does the book target female players and not all beginners? It doesn’t! It’s not written for females, it’s written by a female, in her voice and style.

• But don’t think that feminine equals fluffy. One reviewer on Amazon wrote: “I first thought this was going to be a more “watered down” version for women but I was SO wrong. This is an actual guide that you can refer back to time-and-time again, making it a valuable resource to have on your shelf.”

• Indeed, Amanda wrote the book to be a reference that you pick and choose from and refer back to when you need it. But if you want to read it cover to cover, she’d be thrilled!

• The book has four parts: 1. An overview of the world of poker.  2. How to play.  3. More advanced strategy. 4. Real-world fun stuff, including her reviews of every poker room on the Las Vegas Strip.
• Her favorite poker rooms on the Strip are ARIA and the Wynn. For beginners, she recommends the Mirage.

• Amanda considers herself an intermediate poker player.  The book, she says is great for beginners but isn’t just for beginners. It has lots of good information for intermediate players. (I really enjoyed the section on odds.)

• A big theme of the book is “What story are you trying to tell at the table? What’s your image? How are people perceiving you and how can you use that to your advantage?

• Amanda wrapped up by telling some sweet stories about playing tournament poker with her Dad. Once someone asked if he taught her how to play. He replied, “To be honest, now she’s the one teaching me.”

• She hopes to join many of us at WSOP this summer.