Phil Galfond Reviews the New Garrett Adelstein Book

The new Garrett Adelstein book, titled Beneath the Cards, officially hits shelves on September 1st. Recently, fellow poker legend Phil Galfond got his hands on an early copy, and he had plenty of incredible things to say about it.

Galfond is known for being one of the smartest minds in the game. When he recommends a read, the gambling community pays attention. What makes this memoir a must-read for any poker fan.

Who is the Author Behind the Story?

Before we dive into the review, let’s talk about the man himself. Garrett Adelstein is one of the most famous and feared faces in modern cash games. He built a massive reputation crushing high-stakes poker on popular live streams, often playing for life-changing amounts of money.

Outside of the casino, you might recognize him from his brief time on the reality TV show Survivor. More recently, he was at the center of the infamous “J4” poker hand, where he suspected a player cheated him out of a massive pot. After that dramatic event, he stepped away from the spotlight to focus entirely on writing this story.

What You Will Find in the Garrett Adelstein Book

The Garrett Adelstein book is not your standard, boring strategy guide. Instead, it is a deeply personal and entertaining look at the chaotic world of professional gambling. It covers the wild swings, the gritty underground games, and the incredible mental toughness required to survive.

According to his own announcements, he also dives deep into his personal struggles away from the felt. What Beneath the Cards covers:

• Insane Financial Swings: Stories of brutal $3 million swings in a single session and the reality of going broke.
• The Infamous J4 Hand: His unfiltered, behind-the-scenes thoughts on the alleged cheating incident.
• Mental Health Battles: A raw look at his struggles with depression, body dysmorphia, and perfectionism.
• Life Beyond Cards: His disastrous time on Survivor and how he managed to rebuild his identity.

Why Phil Galfond Praises Beneath the Cards

Phil Galfond was completely blown away by Garrett’s brutal honesty. Galfond noted that Garrett does not just share the glamorous, wealthy parts of his life. He also shares the ugly truths, making the reader feel like a close friend sitting in on a private conversation.

In his review, Galfond shared one specific thought that perfectly summarizes the memoir. He wrote:

“He takes you through his journey –  before poker and in it, the highs and the lows, from childhood to now – in great detail.”

This deep honesty is what makes the memoir so special. Galfond points out that it shows everyday players exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of high-stakes poker.

No Excuses at the Poker Table

A massive takeaway from Galfond’s review is how the story handles personal responsibility. Many amateur players blame bad luck, rigged decks, or a small bankroll for their failures. Galfond explains that this memoir strips away all of those comfortable excuses.

It shows the invisible, grueling work behind the confident guy you see making crazy bluffs on TV. Even with incredible natural talent, Garrett had to dedicate himself completely to the game. He brought an intensity and work ethic to the table that most people simply cannot imagine.

How to Get Your Hands on a Copy

If you are dreaming of making it big, this honest look behind the curtain will inspire you. If you want to read all the juicy details for yourself, you have to wait until September 1st. Preorders are already driving the Garrett Adelstein book up the bestseller lists, and securing your copy early helps support the release.

Do you prefer to listen on the go while grinding at the tables? An audiobook version – narrated by Garrett himself – and an e-book are expected to drop just a few months later. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just looking for the brutal truth about making it in this cutthroat industry, Beneath the Cards is guaranteed to be a massive game-changer for the poker community.