Recommended Poker Books For All Types of Players
published on 12/18/09 at 11:05 am
Poker
Super System and Super System 2 are the old and new testament of your new found religion. Read them well. I thought that the section on Limit Holdem, written by Jennifer Harman, was exceptional.
Harrington on Holdem Volume 1 & 2. One of the best set of poker books I have every picked up. Well written, great examples, valuable information, cant say enough good things about it. A MUST read, especial for the novice and intermediate player.
Ready for Grad school? Well, if you think youre there then anything by Sklansky will do. Tough reading filled with insightful information. Get ready to pay lots of attention.
Wisdom of a Poker Champion by Doyle Brunson. Don’t expect detailed hand analysis and play by play instruction from this book, this is not a poker book that aims to teach you how to play specific hands. This is an insight into the mind of one of the greats and the lessons he has learned away from the table as much as at it.
The Education of a Poker Player by Herbert O. Yardley. The first real poker book, this classic from a different era of poker is credited by many pros as their inspiration. Full of sound strategic advice sandwiched between stories from the tables that will ring true with all who have spent time playing poker.
The Psychology of Poker by Alan N. Schoonmaker. No other book does more to analyze and define the types of players you will find yourself competing against. Schoonmaker looks at what makes people play the way they do and gives advice on how to play them. This book should help you to understand your own game and importantly what it is that makes you want to play poker.
Mike Caros Book of Tells. This is essentially a study of body language as it relates to poker. Much of this book will seem obvious to experienced players but whatever your level there is much here that will be of use. Written simply and illustrated with photos that whilst they may be out of date are still relevant.
Personal
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Even though there is no reference of Poker in this book the lessons learned are extremely valuable and can help you tremendously in both live game and tournament situations as well as in your personal life. I am sure we can all stand to use some improvement in that area as well.
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. One of the greatest self improvement books ever written. You could learn the game all you want, but until you are ready willing and able to put into practice the lessons discussed in this book, the likelihood of long terms success in both your personal and professional life is highly limited. If you are uncomfortable with some of the religious overtones in the book ignore them, but dont let that prevent you from reading this book. It will help you in and out of poker.
Other
One of the tools of the trade for the FBI, police detectives and military intelligence is the study of gesture clusters. Gesture clusters are a grouping or combination of motions or expressions that provide extensive valuable information to one that knows how to decipher it.
Go to your local library and get your hands on as may books regarding body language and gesture clusters as you can. Read them carefully over and over. Once you think you know them, then go out and put them into practical application. Not at the Poker table, but in real life. Start observing people at work, your coworkers. Start paying attention to their posture their movements, the more you watch, the easier this will become. Pay attention to your friends and people at bars. You would be amazed as to how much information is offered without a single exchange of words.
Once you master your power of observation, I guarantee you, your skills at the poker table will increase ten fold. At the end of the day Poker is a game of information. Without the ability to accumulate it; process it; and, act upon it, youre just another Donkey at the table.
John “The Greek” Leontakianakos is a professional poker player with 27 years of experience.
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Grundy
Dec 18th, 2009
Harrington on Hold’em rocks!
I really like Ace on the River as when. It doesn’t teach you to play much better, but it gives good insight into the life of a poker player.
admin
Dec 18th, 2009
I need to check out Ace on the River. Thanks for the recommendation, Grundy.
Grundy
Dec 18th, 2009
For the full review of Cowboys Full see http://hellscoldday.com/2009/book-review-cowboys-full/