Book Review: Is Garrett Adelstein's new memoir, "Under the Cards," worth reading?
Regional newsGarrett Adelstein has released his memoir, *Beneath the Cards: A High-Stakes, High-Anxiety Poker Journey*, offering a deep dive into the J-4 controversy, the ins and outs of high-stakes poker, and his personal psychological struggles. Published by a major publisher, the book immediately topped Amazon's #1 bestseller list in both the "Poker" and "Sports Biography" categories. Earlier this year, Garrett Adelstein announced the release of his memoir, *Beneath the Cards: A High-Stakes, High-Anxiety Poker Journey*. In the months that followed, pre-orders surged as Garrett released several intriguing teaser videos. In the weeks leading up to the official release, Garrett appeared extensively in the poker media, giving numerous interviews, including one on the *PokerNews Podcast*. On release day, the book immediately topped Amazon's #1 bestseller list in both the "Poker" and "Sports Biography" categories. The paperback edition is priced at $20.49, the Kindle edition at $15.99, and the audiobook (read by Adelstein himself) at $15.39. So, how is this new poker book? The answer likely depends on your stance on the infamous "J-4 controversy." Although the alleged cheating incident only constitutes a small part of the book (approximately 10% according to Garrett), it is undoubtedly its biggest selling point. Therefore, if you believe Garrett was indeed cheated, you will likely enjoy the book, especially the new arguments and circumstantial evidence presented in the appendix. Conversely, if you tend to support Robbi Jade Lew and believe she was falsely accused, the book's content may be difficult for you to agree with. The J-4 controversy is inherently highly polarized, and if you are familiar with the matter, this book may also spark similar divisions. However, this book is far more than just the J-4 incident. As the title suggests, it unveils the mysteries behind high-stakes poker, offering readers a glimpse into a private world largely inaccessible to most (even media outlets like PokerNews). This is a realm involving enormous sums of money, and Garrett acts as a guide, giving readers a sense of being right at the poker table. Book Information: Publisher: Permuted Press; Publication Date: September 1, 2026; Pages: 400; Price: $20.49; Format: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook; Audiobook Length: 11 hours 15 minutes. If you're a poker enthusiast, especially passionate about cash games, live streaming, and high-stakes games, then *Under the Cards* has a wealth of content worth savoring. As someone deeply involved in the poker world—I was among the first to interview Robbi Jade Lew after the 2022 HCL incident—and have read dozens of poker biographies, I personally thoroughly enjoyed this book. I initially had concerns about this memoir...



