Just like with any other skill, if you want to improve at poker, you have to learn and practice consistently.
When it comes to practicing, all you have to do is find a good place to play and put in the hours at the tables. You can check out this list of best casino apps reviewed by experts and find the one that best meets your needs and preferences. Then, you can claim the generous welcome bonuses they offer and start playing.
To truly master the game, you also need to study theories and strategies from professionals who’ve been playing poker for years. The good news is, there’s no lack of resources where you can study their approaches and deepen your understanding of the game.
With that said, let’s look at the best poker books that every player should consider reading.
The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky (1983)
It only makes sense to open this list with a classic every pro player has read at some point in their career. In fact, many poker theorists and players consider it to be the game’s strategic dictionary.
This 301-page book breaks down the fundamentals of the game, teaching you the key theoretical concepts that are applicable in every variation of the game. It can help you learn how to think like a pro and make the right call in every situation.
To clarify, this isn’t the type of book that will help you learn one strategy that you can apply the next time you open your poker app. Instead, it revolves around core principles that shape decision-making in poker.
Although the game has evolved significantly since the book’s release, it remains one of the go-to sources for anyone who wants to develop a strong theoretical foundation. If you ask any pro player to suggest you must-read books on poker, The Theory of Poker will always be on their list.
Sklansky also wrote several other poker books you can add to your reading list.
Every Hand Revealed by Gus Hansen (2008)
One of the best ways to improve your poker skills is to study what pro players do in every situation, analyze it, and try to apply the same thought process in your games. If there’s a book that helps you do this, it’s Every Hand Revealed by an absolute legend, Gus Hansen.
In this book, “The Great Dane” guides the reader through each and every hand he played on his path to winning the 2007 Aussie Millions Championship.
However, the hands he played aren’t simply glossed over in this book. Instead, what you get is a detailed narrative that allows you to understand his thought process and see exactly why he made each decision at the table. It’s a rare opportunity to see how an elite player thinks in real-time and pick up some insights that can improve your own game.
It’s also worth mentioning that Hansen is a rather unconventional player and many of his ideas on how to play poker challenge some conventional strategies most poker enthusiasts agree to be true. This only makes this book even more entertaining and valuable.
Mental Game of Poker by Jared Tendler (2011)
The psychology of poker is as important as the technical side of it. Even if you master all the strategies and calculations, your success at the table will likely depend on your mental strength and ability to manage emotions.
This is where Mental Game of Poker by Jared Tendler comes into play. This book discusses the mental side of the game and helps you be at your best every time you play. From eliminating tilt to staying motivated, these skills are just as valuable as mastering different poker strategies.
In addition, this book will give you an edge over players who struggle with emotional control at poker tables. It’ll reduce the number of your “really bad days” to a minimum and hence improve your win rate.
Tendler started out as a golf coach and his mental strategies are applicable not only in poker but in all aspects of life.
Harrington on Hold ‘em by Dan Harrington (2006)
Harrington on Hold ‘em is the best-selling poker book in history, which tells you enough about its significance in the poker world. As the title suggests, it was written by Dan Harrington, who has had one of the most prolific careers and holds the 1995 World Series of Poker title to his name.
The book he co-wrote with Bill Robertie, a master chess and poker player and game theorist, comes in three volumes that cover different aspects of Texas Hold ‘em. The first volume, titled Strategic Play covers the key expert strategies you need to know to consistently make deep runs in multi-table tournaments.
From carrying your playing style and adjusting your style based on your opponents to picking the best spots in different situations, this book will help you take your tournament game to an entirely new level.
The best part is that the book is loaded with complex analysis in an easy-to-digest format, ensuring players of all backgrounds can follow along.
Conclusion
With these four books on your reading list, you’ll be able to develop a well-rounded understanding of poker and improve your game. As you go through each of them, put what you’ve learned into practice. Play regularly, analyze your game, and keep refining your approach until winning becomes second nature.
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