Top 10 Books To Learn Poker
There are nearly five hundred books available on poker on online sites but few have really contributed to the growth of the game. The following books, handpicked, stand out for they have improved the reader’s understanding of the game greatly and have inspired numerous others to think more deeply about his or her poker strategy. These best poker books have had a profound impact on the game, offered players a competitive edge and altered the thinking of a significant number of players – newbies and professionals alike.
- Theory of Poker by David Sklansky
A must read for any novice to intermediate player, this is one of the best poker books. Written by “the mathematician”, it outlines many strategies and theories for five different variants of poker namely, Texas Hold’em, draw lowball, seven-card stud, five-card draw, and razz or seven-card lowball, that have not been put on paper before.
Do not be misled by the name of the book, these strategies are not mere theories but well-tested across different games and under different circumstances. A careful read of the book would reveal some excellent tips to the reader and will generate rich rewards if applied properly.
2. Elements of Poker – by Тommy Angelo
A timeless poker classic, this book by Tommy Angelo, takes the reader’s appreciation of the game much beyond a bookish understanding of concepts such as pot odds, position and EV. Elements of Poker beautifully paints a broad picture of poker as a game that one must learn to enjoy and love, embracing everything that comes with it. This is one of the best poker books that will come handy and help you deal with tilt issues and will provide an insight into the different approaches there is to a game.
3. Getting Started in Hold’em by Edward Miller
This beginner book will teach you the fundamental building blocks that any solid game is built on. It is not an advanced, difficult book to master and is meant to build the knowledge base and confidence of a novice seeking to learn Texas Hold’em.
4. Small Stakes Hold’em by Edward Miller, Mason Malmuth and David Sklansky
Best poker books proceed with just one purpose in mind – one acquaints the reader with the fundamentals of the game and equip them with all the necessary tools to win a poker play. One of the most complete texts ever written for crushing low-stakes Hold’em this book is directed at poker players who know the basics of the game (some may even be good players) and wish to delve deeper into the inner workings of the game.
5. Small Stakes No-Limit Hold’em by Ed Miller
One of the best poker books for novice poker players, Small Stakes No-Limit Hold'em by Ed Miller provides a detailed explanation about all that one needs to know to be a poker expert on the table – it goes into great detail about the pre-flop hand ranking guides, adjusting for tight and loose games, odds, implied odds, etc. All in all, the book is a well-packaged, comprehensive strategy book. It strengthens the player’s foundation and offers some excellent tips that can come handy to a player in the most stressful of games.
6. 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 two volumes on the different stages of a poker tournament and the manner in which one must adjust his or her play at the pre-flop, flop, turn and river stages. It provides an in-depth insight into how Dan Harrington managed to secure his success, tournament after tournament. The lessons that can be drawn from his experience is immense and the subtle nitty gritties mentioned in the book, if applied, will go a long way in improving the reader’s game.
7. Sit-and-Go Strategy: Expert Advice for Beating One-Table Poker Tournaments by Collin Moshman
The best book hands down on sit-and-go play, this book is an excellent guide to play single table tournaments. The strategies employed in these sit-and-go tables can be used in multi-table tournaments as well. Absorbing the contents of this book will definitely help you increase your return on investment greatly.
8. Doyle Brunson's Super System by Doyle Brunson
While some believe that the contents of this book are outdated, Doyle Brunson’s Super System still holds the title of the Poker Bible. The Godfather of Poker introduced numerous concepts that were far advanced for his times and the ideas that he has presented, if improvised, can find its application in games even today. If nothing else, it makes for an interesting read to understand the evolution of this game over the years.
9. Ace on the River by Barry Greenstein
Barry Greenstein’s Ace on the River: An Advanced Poker Guide, provides a valuable read for everyone, from complete newbies to seasoned pros. It not only deals with the strategic ideas of a poker game but also paints a much broader picture of the life of a professional player.
10. Applications of No Limit Hold’em by Matthew Janda
Mathew Janda’s book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their Texas Hold’em fundamentals. This book introduces and succinctly elucidates theoretical concepts such as ranges, pot sizes, bet sizing, positions and much more.
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