Title: Poker for DummiesPrice: $19.99System(s): PCRelease Date: October 14, 2008Publisher (Developer): Electronic Arts (Electronic Arts)ESRB Rating: “Teen” for simulated gamblingPros: Informative, the odds calculator in the Practice section is handy and the quiz after each instruction section helps you remember information.Cons: No multiplayer, only three kinds of poker (Texas Hold’em, Omaha and 7 Card Stud) and more informative than fun.Overall Score: Two thumbs sideways, 73/100, C, ** out of 5

Poker for Dummies disappointed me. Not because of what it is, because it is an informative training tool which did teach me to play Texas Hold’em and Omaha. I’m disappointed with the game because of what it isn’t.

As it is, Poker for Dummies feels like half of a title. It has a respectable amount of games (Texas Hold’em, Omaha and 7 Card Stud) and does a wonderful job of providing detailed instructions and ample practice in actually playing the games. But, I found myself wanting more. I wanted to play against other, real players and I wanted perhaps a few other variations of poker to be included…

Title: Travel Games for DummiesPrice: $29.99System(s): DSRelease Date: October 28, 2008Publisher (Developer): Electronic Arts (Electronic Arts and Beanbag Studios)ESRB Rating: “Everyone”Pros: Three different games, 100 Crossword puzzles, 500 Sudoku puzzles, 10 kinds of Solitaire. Informative.Cons: You have to go back manually clear Crossword boards when you’re done. Solitaire is very hard. Sometimes the letter/number recognition is a bit off. Only one player profile allowed per cartridge.Overall Score: One thumb up, one thumb sideways; 80/100; B-; *** out of 5

EA Games’ Casual Entertainment division recently teamed up with Beanbag studios to create three instructional/casual games, two for the PC and one for the DS. The DS game, Travel Games for Dummies is actually a collection of three popular puzzle games – Sudoku, Solitaire and Crosswords. The goal of the endeavor is to teach people how to master these three games, and then offer a wide variety of puzzles to test their newfound skills in.

Its very straightforward, since it is supposed to be educational, but also is surprisingly fun. While it isn’t as diverse as say, Crosswords DS, it is better than the shovelware sudoku and casual game compilations you see cluttering GameStop shelves. And, surprisingly enough, it can help you become a better player. At least, the Crosswords and Sudoku segments can – I’m still on the fence about solitaire. Travel Games for Dummies would make a good gift for casual gamers this holiday season – I know my mom would adore it…