Poker Books You HAVE To Read

Plenty of good content is out there, and our list has excluded some excellent books. We want to give a special shout-out to "The Course" by Ed Miller and "Theory of Poker" by David Sklansky - two excellent titles with a ton of insightful and unique knowledge.

However, the titles to make the shortlist are as follows:

Published: July 23, 2015

Author Info: A number-one bestselling author by day and poker coach extraordinaire by night, Alton Hardin is the founder of the MicroGrinder Poker School.

What About The Book?

If math isn't your strong suit, poker might not be for you. Making profitable decisions at the table relies on a healthy dose of number know-how. However, if you are adept with algorithms and enjoy equations, Alton Hardin's book Essential Poker Math should be a staple in your poker library.

Hardin breaks down complex mathematical concepts into practical strategies that can be applied in real-time during a game in an excellently crafted, informative, and easy-to-read guide.

The book covers probability, pot odds, and expected value, all crucial components in successful poker play. Hardin also goes beyond the numbers and delves into game theory and how to use it to your advantage.

Essential Poker Math is a must-read for players looking to improve their mathematical skills and elevate their game. Even for more relaxed players, this book offers valuable insights and strategies to significantly enhance their poker experience.

Three things you can learn:

• Get a complete understanding of Pot Odds & Implied Odds at the poker table.
• Learn about Pot Equity & The Rule of 2 & 4 when picking the correct poker play.
• Figure out Expected Value (EV) both on & off the table to analyze your plays.

Published: September 30, 2007

Author Info: Nelson is a retired professional poker player who once bagged the Crown Australian Poker Championship, taking home A$1,295,800. Lee is a university professor and was responsible for the computer models on which Kill Phil is based. Streib describes himself as a board game player, AI developer, poker player, and author.

What About The Book?

Ignore the publish date - sometimes, the old-timers knew what worked best, and in Kill Everyone by the experienced Nelson, Lee, and Streib, they get to the heart of what poker is built on.

One of the biggest battles at the table is mastering the mind and manipulating your nemesis into getting them to do what you want. That's one of the strengths of what is a comprehensive, in-depth, and unique literary breakdown of rounding out your poker table skillset.

Whether it's through real-world anecdotes from the writers' perspective or unique and valuable analysis, which makes for an educational pamphlet, this is a must-read for poker enthusiasts.

Three things you can learn:

• Take a deeper dive into the importance of hand rankings and how to assign appropriate value to them.
• Memorise advanced strategies as part of multi-table tournaments and sit'n go's.
• Comprehend how to perfect your play on the bubble and at the final table.

Published: May 4, 2011

Author Info: JJared Tendler is a leading expert in the mental game of performance and works with professional athletes and world-champion poker players.

What About The Book?

The books we have touched on so far have focused on mathematical theory and tournament technique; now, we tilt the focus onto the mental side of the game. And there is no better book out there than The Mental Game of Poker.

Put technical skills such as hand reading, calculating odds, and understanding betting patterns to one side and train your mind on overall performance. Tendler emphasizes that mastering the mental game is necessary for achieving consistent success in poker.

The book lays out practical tips and techniques for recognizing tilt, preventing it from affecting your game, and recovering from it. It teaches players how to build confidence in their abilities and provides strategies for dealing with variance and fluctuations.

Sometimes, it is all in the head!

Three things you can learn:

• A step-by-step guide on stepping away from your tilt while playing.
• How to conquer fear.
• How to turbo-charge your drive and competitive instincts through motivational techniques.

Published: June 11, 2022

Author Info: Matt Matros is a professional poker player and author based out of New York. He knows his stuff - he has a Bachelor of Science degree from Yale University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College, with three World Series of Poker titles behind him.

What About The Book?

To exploit is divine in poker - and this book helps players understand how to get the maximum from optimal situations at the table.

The book's premise revolves around exploitive thinking, which involves identifying and taking advantage of your opponent's weaknesses and tendencies..

It includes practical exercises and quizzes to help readers apply the concepts learned in real-game situations.

Three things you can learn:

• Tips on managing emotions.
• Understanding body language.
• Using verbal cues to gain an advantage at the table.

Published: June 2, 2019

Author Info: A professional poker player, instructor, author, and coach, Brokos made history with five main event cashes in his first six attempts.

What About The Book?

Do you ever worry that the weighty intellect attached to the higher echelons of poker play is too heavy for you to bear? Fear no more. This book aims to bridge the gap between theoretical game theory and practical application in poker.

After a brief breakdown of game theory and its relevance in poker, the book explains the key concepts and strategies players need to understand to make optimal decisions at the poker table. Brokos then delves into more advanced topics such as hand ranges, bet sizing, and balancing your play.

One of the unique aspects of this book is that it focuses on both live and online poker, providing valuable insights and tips for both types of gameplay. Brokos also discusses the psychological aspects of poker, including how to manage tilt and make rational decisions under pressure.

In addition to theory, this book provides practical exercises and examples that players can use to improve their game in real time. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player looking to take your game to the next level, this is a valuable resource for any poker player looking to improve their skills and increase their chances of winning.

Three things you can learn:

• Comprehend powerful game theory concepts like equilibrium and indifference.
• How to manipulate your ranges to exploit errors made by the majority of players.
• How to apply game theory to some standard poker scenarios.

Poker players require more than just chance to succeed in the game; they also need strategy, talent, and expertise. You may improve your gaming dramatically with the correct poker book, from learning game theory to comprehending mental toughness. From the psychological implications of remaining composed under pressure to the mathematical nuances of betting strategies, this carefully curated collection of must-read poker books offers priceless insights. These materials are a treasure whether your goal is to win large in live or online gaming. See our online casino reviews for more advice on where to play and how to get better.