Book Review: Is Garrett Adelstein's new memoir, "Under the Cards," worth reading?

Garrett Adelstein releases his memoir, *Under the Cards*, offering an in-depth analysis of the J-4 controversy, the behind-the-scenes dynamics of high-stakes poker, and his personal psychological struggles. The book, published by a major publisher, immediately topped Amazon's bestseller list (#1 new book).

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 for the book surged as Garrett released several intriguing trailers.

In the weeks leading up to the official launch, Garrett made frequent appearances in the poker media, giving numerous interviews, including an exclusive interview on the PokerNews Podcast.

On the day of its release, the book immediately topped Amazon's #1 bestseller list in both the "Poker" and "Sports Biographies" categories. The paperback version is priced at $20.49, the Kindle version at $15.99, and the audiobook (read by Adelstein himself) at $15.39.

So, how good is this new poker book? The answer may depend on your stance on the infamous "J-4 controversy." Although the alleged cheating incident only occupies a small part of the book (approximately 10% according to Garrett), it is undoubtedly the biggest selling point. Therefore, if you believe Garrett was indeed cheated, you will likely enjoy the book, especially the new arguments and circumstantial evidence he presents in the appendix.

Conversely, if you tend to support Robbi Jade Lew and believe she has been unfairly accused, then the book's content may be difficult for you to agree with. The J-4 controversy is inherently highly polarized, and if you are well-versed in the matter, this book may also spark similar disagreements.

However, this book is far more than just the J-4 incident. As the title suggests, it also unveils the mysteries behind the high-stakes poker world, offering readers a glimpse into a private realm inaccessible to most (even media outlets like PokerNews). It's a field 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

• Versions: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook

• Audiobook length: 11 hours and 15 minutes

If you're a poker enthusiast, especially a cash game fan, streamer, and high-stakes player, then *Under the Table* 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 HCL incident in 2022—and have read dozens of poker biographies, I personally thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I initially worried that this memoir might be narrow-minded and self-serving, merely glossing over the less glamorous aspects of life (which everyone experiences). However, to my surprise, Garrett presented a raw and honest confession of his life, candidly discussing his complex family background, his personal struggles with depression and perfectionism, and even his body dysmorphic disorder. These are not topics easily shared with a global audience, but Garrett bravely confided in them. As he said on the PokerNews Podcast, to write a memoir, one must be as open as possible, allowing the world to see the true trajectory of one's life—and I truly felt this sincerity while reading it.

I'm a huge fan of the long-running reality show *Survivor*, and Garrett participated in season 28, *Survivor: Cagayan*, in 2014. So, I read this episode with high expectations, and it was certainly satisfying. I'm not giving away any spoilers, but I encourage everyone to rewatch his season (available on Paramount Plus).

"Under the Cards" doesn't offer the "ironclad proof of J-4" that some readers crave. If you bought the book solely for that and only intend to read this part, you might be disappointed. However, if you have an open mind about the alleged cheating allegations, you might find Garrett's arguments quite compelling.

Garrett's book truly impressed me—which is no small feat, as it's one of the few poker books published in recent years by a mainstream publisher (Permuted Press, founded in 2004), and certainly a rare find since the poker boom. I had high expectations, and it did not disappoint.

If you're a poker player, *Under the Cards* is definitely worth adding to your bookshelf. Even if you're a general reader unfamiliar with poker, this book will take you into a unique and breathtaking world—you might not be ready yet, but it will certainly be eye-opening.

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