Poker Books

Poker is a game that demands constant building of strategies, adapting to different situations, and updating one’s game plan. Reading books written by poker professionals is one of the best ways to start your journey towards mastering this game. Here are some of the best poker books for beginners that offer excellent insights into the game of poker.

Best Poker Books To Learn Poker

• Theory Of Poker By David Sklansky
• Getting Started In Hold'em By Edward Miller
• Small Stakes Hold'em by Edward Miller, Mason Malmuth and David Sklansky
• Small Stakes No-Limit Hold'em By Ed Miller
• Harrington On Hold'em: Expert Strategy For No-Limit Tournaments Volumes I-II by Dan Harrington
• Sit-and-Go Strategy: Expert Advice For Beating One-Table Poker Tournaments By Collin Moshman
• Check-Raising The Devil By Mike Matusow
• Every Hand Revealed By Gus Hansen
• The Professor, The Banker And The Suicide King By Michael Craig
• One Of A Kind: The Rise And Fall Of Stu Ungar By Nolan Dalla And Peter Alson
• Amarillo Slim In A World Full Of Fat People By Amarillo Slim
• Elements Of Poker By Tommy Angelo

Best Poker Books For Beginners 2024

1. Theory Of Poker By David Sklansky

A must-read for any novice to intermediate player, this Two Plus Two Publishing book showcases many strategies and theories that have yet to be published. Do not be misled by the name of the book; these strategies are not mere theories but are well-tested spatially and temporally in the practical world, which is precisely why it is considered to be one of the best poker books for beginners.

2. Getting Started In Hold'em By Edward Miller

This beginner book will teach you the fundamental building blocks that a solid game of poker is built on. It is not that advanced but should be the starting point for any new player wanting to learn Texas Hold'em.

3. Small Stakes Hold'em by Edward Miller, Mason Malmuth and David Sklansky

This book proceeds with just one purpose in mind – one acquaints the reader with the fundamentals of the game and equips them with all the necessary tools to win a poker game. 

Though this book focuses on a Limit Hold'em game, a No-Limit player can also benefit from the book. One of the most complete texts ever written for crushing low-stakes, Hold'em is one of the best poker books for beginners who are curious to know more about this version of the game.

4. Small Stakes No-Limit Hold'em By Ed Miller

One of the best poker books for beginners, Small Stakes No-Limit Hold'em, this book provides a detailed explanation about all that one needs to know to be an expert on the table - preflop hand ranking guides, adjusting for tight and loose games, odds, implied odds, etc. – well packaged into one comprehensive strategy book. It strengthens the player’s foundation and offers some excellent tips that can come in handy in the most stressful of games.

5. Harrington On Hold'em: Expert Strategy For No-Limit Tournaments Volumes I-II by Dan Harrington

A formidable player in poker tournaments, "Action Dan" has written a detailed two-volume saga on the different stages of a poker tournament and the manner in which one must adjust their play for each blind level. It provides an in-depth insight into how Dan Harrington managed to secure his success in tournament after tournament.

6. Sit-and-Go Strategy: Expert Advice For Beating One-Table Poker Tournaments By Collin Moshman

This is certainly the best book on sit-and-go play. It proves to be a great resource for learning how to play single-table tournaments. The strategies employed in the book about sit-and-go tables can be used in multi-table tournaments as well. 

Absorbing the contents of this book will definitely help you greatly increase your return on investment. This is exactly why it is considered to be one of the best poker books for beginners.

Dive into the poker mastery of a legend with 'Doyle Brunson's Super System.' This iconic book, written by a pioneer of the game, provides unmatched insights into poker strategy. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, exploring the pages of 'Super System' is a journey toward strategic excellence and a deeper understanding of the game's intricacies.

7. Check-Raising The Devil By Mike Matusow

A reflection of the life of the author himself, this book lays out the difficult road that Mike Matusow had to tread to reach the top of the poker world. From his humble beginnings as a video poker degenerate to a limited poker player/ dealer to the Main Event final table to jail and back again – this book bares it all, immersing the reader in the depths of the story. 

This is one of those books that will give you an insight into a real-life poker player.

8. Every Hand Revealed By Gus Hansen

The book Every Hand Revealed details over 300 hands that Gus has played en route to victory in various tournaments. Meticulously recorded, the wisdom revealed in the book displays every emotion that Gus has faced and every strategy that he has employed to get out of sticky situations. This deeply revealing book is a product of years of work and is definitely worth a read, making it one of the all-time best poker books for beginners.

9. The Professor, The Banker, And The Suicide King By Michael Craig

One of the most inspiring stories in the poker world, this book traces the life of an amateur who takes on the best in the world for one of the most astoundingly high-stakes games. Set in the Bellagio Poker Room and outlining the story of a billionaire banker, this is definitely a must-read for all those who are passionate about the poker world.

10. One Of A Kind: The Rise And Fall Of Stu Ungar By Nolan Dalla And Peter Alson

Stu Ungar, the Jim Morrison of the casino, is the protagonist of this gripping, heart-wrenching tale. The book revolves around the story of the son of a Jewish bookie on Manhattan's Lower East Side, who dropped out of high school to become an underground card-table sensation, eventually taking out every top gin rummy player on the East Coast. 

The story, in short, is that of a father, a drug addict, a poker player, the best gin rummy player to have ever lived, but a degenerate who lost complete control of his life. An intimate, authorised biography, One of a Kind illuminates the dark genius of one of poker's most memorable figures who mysteriously passed away in the commotion of a dingy motel in Vegas.

11. Amarillo Slim In A World Full Of Fat People By Amarillo Slim

An interesting read, Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People, provides the readers with an endless list of stories that every poker player can connect to. It narrates the tales of one of the greatest gamblers of all times – anecdotes of how he beats Minnesota fats at the pool with a broomstick, how he beats a Chinese Ping Pong champion using Coke bottles for paddles, how he gets robbed countless times, and most importantly, how he manages a high-stake win at the WSOP Main Event. It is totally worth a read – for beginners and the experienced alike.

12. Elements Of Poker By Tommy Angelo

A refreshing book that is premised on the philosophy “you know best”, Elements of Poker by Tommy Angelo is a must-read book for every poker player there is. It offers no strategy, and it definitely does not outline the rules of the game. The book is a humble effort to bring the best out of you and your style. 

If it is said to teach anything, it is the “science behind playing your game at your best all the time”. This approach is what makes this such an interesting read and, hence, one of the best poker books for beginners.

Uncover the strategic brilliance of poker with Daniel Negreanu's insightful books. As a seasoned professional and poker icon, Negreanu shares his wealth of knowledge in these essential reads. Explore his books to gain valuable insights into poker strategies, reading opponents, and mastering the mental aspects of the game. 

To master the game of poker, one needs to harness knowledge simultaneously and put it into practice. Now that you have gained a substantial amount of information from these books, go ahead and put it into practice! Download the GetMega app now and register for one of the contests to play and win big money.

FAQ's

What are the must-read books for beginners to learn poker?

 "Start with 'Harrington on Hold'em' by Dan Harrington for tournament strategy, 'The Theory of Poker' by David Sklansky for fundamentals, and 'Every Hand Revealed' by Gus Hansen for real-world insights."

Can I find books specifically for online poker?

 "Certainly! 'Kill Everyone' by Lee Nelson covers online and live play. 'Modern Poker Theory' by Michael Acevedo provides in-depth strategies applicable to both online and live poker environments."

Are there books focusing on the mental aspects and psychology of poker?

 "Absolutely. 'The Mental Game of Poker' by Jared Tendler explores mental toughness, while 'Reading Poker Tells' by Zachary Elwood teaches you to decipher opponents' emotions and behaviours."

What are some must-read books for novices learning poker? 

Two highly recommended books for poker beginners are "Harrington on Hold'em" by Dan Harrington and "The Theory of Poker" by David Sklansky. These books teach fundamental strategy, hand analysis, and other essential ideas for beginners in poker.

How Can I Improve My Poker Skills As A Beginner?

To improve your poker skills as a beginner, read books like "The Theory of Poker" and "Harrington on Hold'em," practice regularly by playing online or with friends, analyze your hands to learn from mistakes, and seek advice from experienced players or coaches for valuable insights.