Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and luck. While the most successful players understand the mathematics, psychology, and strategy behind it, reading books on poker can help to refine your skills and improve your chances of success.
In this post, we will look at 15 of the best books on poker that every player should read. From classics to contemporary books, these titles provide invaluable insights into the game of poker and can help you take your game to the next level. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, these books are sure to have something for everyone.
1. The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky
This comprehensive book covers fundamental poker strategy in great detail and is an absolute must-read for all serious players. The book also takes a deep dive into the mathematics behind poker, allowing players to understand the game on a deeper level than ever before.
2. Poker Strategy: Winning with Game Theory by Matthew Janda
This book covers sophisticated game theory concepts for advanced players. It is a valuable tool for learning when to make moves, how to read opponents’ hands and other advanced strategies that can help you when you play the game of poker. The book also discusses important concepts such as pot odds and expected value.
3. Harrington on Hold ‘em Volume I by Dan Harrington
This book focuses on both pre-flop and post-flop play in no-limit Texas hold ‘em tournaments. It is valuable for any player looking to improve their tournament game and learn how to adjust their strategies as the tournament progresses.
4. Super System by Doyle Brunson
This classic book was written in 1978, but it remains one of the most important texts on poker strategy today. It offers advice on playing Texas hold ‘em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and Lowball. Doyle Brunson is one of the most successful players in history, and his advice is still applicable today.
5. The Power of Body Language in Poker by Alan N. Schoonmaker
This book teaches players how to use their body language to gain an advantage over opponents at the poker table. It covers topics such as facial expressions, posture, and eye contact in great detail. Also, the book explores how to use emotions such as fear and aggression to put opponents off their game. The book also focuses on poker skills that help with business negotiations and everyday life.
6. The Mental Game of Poker by Jared Tendler
This book focuses on the psychological aspects of playing poker and is an invaluable resource for any player looking to improve their mental game. It covers topics such as tilt management, building confidence, and dealing with variance and it’s even being learnt in universities and tech companies for its great insights into mental management.
7. Tells in Hold ‘em by Mike Caro
This book is designed to help players spot tells and bluffs at the poker table. It covers a wide range of topics, from recognizing physical tells to understanding betting patterns. The book also contains a wealth of advice on how to use tells to your advantage. It has also a podcast version for those who prefer to listen.
8. The Mathematics of Poker by Bill Chen and Jerrod Ankenman
This comprehensive guide explains the mathematics behind poker, including pot odds, implied odds, hand ranges, and more. It is a valuable resource for any player looking to gain an edge with their mathematical skills.
9. Secrets of Professional Pot-Limit Omaha by Jeff Hwang
This book covers advanced strategies in pot-limit Omaha, including how to adjust your play in different situations. It is a great resource for anyone looking to take their PLO game to the next level.
10. The Poker Mindset by Ian Taylor and Matthew Hilger
This book helps players develop a “poker mindset”, which is essential for long-term success in poker. It provides strategies for improving focus and discipline at the table. The book also covers topics such as bankroll management and tilt control.
11. Modern Poker Theory by Michael Acevedo
This book covers game theory concepts and how to use them in modern poker. It is valuable for players looking to take their theoretical understanding of the game to the next level. The book also covers topics such as optimal bluffing frequencies and adjustments for different stack sizes.
12. The Intelligent Poker Player by Mike Caro
This book offers advice on making smart decisions at the poker table, including risk/reward analysis and expected value calculations. It is an invaluable resource for any serious player. This book also covers important concepts such as aggression, game selection, and bankroll management.
13. The Psychology of Poker by Alan N. Schoonmaker
This book focuses on the psychological aspects of playing poker, including emotional control and how to manipulate opponents’ mindsets at the table. A few chapters are also dedicated to basic mathematical concepts such as pot odds and expected value.
14. Small Stakes Hold ‘em by Ed Miller, David Sklansky, and Mason Malmuth
This book offers advice on playing no-limit Texas hold ‘em at low stakes, including pre-flop and post-flop strategies. It is an invaluable tool for any player looking to make a profit in small-stakes games.
15. Play Poker Like the Pros by Phil Hellmuth
This book is written by the legendary Phil Hellmuth, and it provides advice on playing poker like a pro. It covers topics such as pre-flop decisions, bluffing, and cash game strategies. It is a great resource for any aspiring poker player.
