Daniel Negreanu Brings New Life to Little-Known Poker Book “Confessions of a Crossroad Gambler”
Back in 2008, a poker book was published with little to no fanfare. Confessions of a Crossroad Gambler was written by “Gentleman” Jack Newton, a high-stakes gambler from the post-depression era through the birth of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in the 1970s.
The book was filled with gambling history (including stories about Jack Binion, Doyle Brunson, and Billy Walters), marked cards, and other tales of cheating. It was quite an entertaining read, which is why renowned poker agent Brian Balsbaugh of Poker Royalty purchased the rights to the book and released an audio version narrated by one of the most popular poker players in the world.
Here’s how the book is described:
Gentleman Jack Newton: Confessions of a Crossroad Gambler is an autobiography by Jack Newton, a legendary high-stakes gambler, narrated by seven-time WSOP bracelet winner and Poker Hall of Famer Daniel Negreanu. Jack recounts his life on the road from the Depression era through the 1970s, detailing his adventures in card games across America.
The book offers a glimpse into the world of "crossroad gamblers," where both skill and cunning were used to win. Expect tales of card counting, spotting cheaters, and perhaps some less savory tactics Jack employed to emerge victorious. With Negreanu's narration, you'll get a unique perspective from another poker great on Jack's exploits and the high-stakes gambling world.
The audiobook, which was released back on July 17, 2024, is a quick listen at just 2 hours and 49 minutes,
“I'm a sucker for old-school Vegas stories and the book was a really fun read, so when I was asked to narrate it I didn't hesitate,” Negreanu told PokerNews when asked what appealed to him about doing the book. “I’d never narrated a book before, and it was easy. They came to the house and we did it in 3-4 hour blocks over a couple of days.”
While Negreanu never got the opportunity to meet Newton, he crossed paths with his son, who was involved in the project.
“I met his son who sat in on the recordings for a little while,” said Negreanu, who also shared a Newton story that stuck out. “I think my favorite story, and I won't spoil how he does it, but he finds a game that is being cheated and has to figure out how to get his marked cards into the game. The way he does it is brilliant!”
The book may glamorize less scrupulous ways of winning in poker, it is important to remember that Newton lived and played at a very different time.
“You find in the book a code among cheats, where after a score, they may even reveal how they cheated their opponent over a beer,” Negreanu offered. “In some cases, both sides were cheating, so there was respect for the guy who did it better- but not always.”
While Negreanu did the narration for Confessions of a Crossroad Gambler, it has been nearly two decades since he released his own book, Power Hold’em Strategy, in 2008, and the year before that Hold’em Wisdom for All Players. So, might a third book, a biography perhaps, be int he works for Kid Poker?
“Too young for that,” was all Negreanu had to say when asked.
Hard copies of Confessions of a Crossroad Gambler can be found online, but for those wanting to listen to Negreanu’s narration, you can check it out on Audible now for just $6.95. What’s more, Prime members can get two free audiobooks during a trial subscription.
