This is a sparkling book of advice from a gambler to traders and investors.

Both situations begin with a common pool of money. Through a mixture of skills, self-control and sheer luck, some players gain more than others.

The caveat, though, is that you must thoroughly understand the rules you use. As the author puts it, "Professional gamblers put a good deal of study . . . before they risk their money. You can similarly improve your investment edge by mastering a few likely investing situations."

Pat Holland, B.Sc. has been a maths teacher and a recreational gambler for most of his life. Today he works as a freelance writer and takes an interest in the world of investment.

He has long been interested in the common links between the principles of gambling and those of investment, and has been gathering the material for this book for many years.

Pat Holland is married with three grown-up children, and is the author of three previous books and several thousand articles.