The Top 5 Books Every Poker Enthusiast Should Read
4 minutes
Posted by: Ivan
Texas Hold’em is one of the most popular games on the planet, enjoyed by tens of millions of players, both in the UK and farther afield. What appeals most about the game is the meritocracy that it offers.
There is such thing as a natural talent, of course, but in the main, those who work hard at their poker game are rewarded by more consistent and larger wins.
There are different ways one can become better at poker and improve their win rate. The more time and effort you put towards this goal, the better your chances of becoming a good poker player.
One way to get better is to play more, which you can do by finding the best poker sites in the UK by going to bestonlinecasinos.org.uk.
The way to improve your poker game is by reading as much on the subject as humanly possible. If you're struggling for inspiration at the moment or just needs a heads up on where to get started, read on four our list of the five best poker books.
The Mathematics of Poker
Bill Chen and Jerrod Ankenman
Waterstones: £23.99
If you think poker is a game of instincts and talent, then you are, unfortunately, misguided. Poker is essentially a game based on mathematic principles that can be learned and mastered.
If maths wasn't your strongest subject at school, you're going to want to buy this book and study it intently.
Bill Chen, the co-author, is an American quantitative analyst who has used his mathematical prowess to excel in the world of professional poker.
Chen took the world by storm in the noughties when he and Jerrod Ankenman released this game-changing book.
Its publication led to a whole new era of ‘problem-solving' players who debunked many old-fashioned myths about poker. Essential reading for any aspiring poker player even a decade after its initial release.
Super/System
Doyle Brunson
Amazon: £17.65
In 1979, Doyle Brunson, winner of the World Series of Poker in 1976 and 1977, released this title, which was one of the first-ever comprehensive strategy books. Originally titled ‘How I Made Over $1,000,000 Playing Poker’, the book was an instant hit.
It fired the world of poker into the public consciousness and encouraged countless players to start taking their game seriously.
There are still many tips in there that are pertinent to modern poker, but buying this book and reading it is more about understanding the history of the game than gaining access to a hot new poker strategy.
If you’re new to poker, read this to get a good understanding of the game and to fuel your passion for learning.
Super System 2
Doyle Brunson and Guest Authors
Amazon: £4.99 (Kindle)
A quarter of a century later, in 2004, a sequel to Doyle Bronson's book was released, this time with an absolute treasure trove of must-read information. The book is broken up into several sections that cover differing poker variants.
In it are expert pieces written by the likes of Daniel Negreanu, Lyle Berman, Bobby Baldwin, Johnny Chan, Mike Caro, Jennifer Harma, Steve Zolotow, Crandell Addington, and Todd Brunson, to name but a few!
If you want a comprehensive guide to poker along with some of the best tips and tricks from the biggest and best names in the game, Super System 2 is the book for you.
The Mental Game of Poker
Jared Tendler
Waterstones: £24.42
Poker is a game of mathematics, but it is also a game of psychology. How much psychology, you ask? Well, the title of this book should give you some idea as to the complexity of the mind games at play at the average felt table.
The full title is actually The Mental Game of Poker: Proven Strategies for Improving Tilt Control, Confidence, Motivation, Coping with Variance, and More.
You don’t just have to think if your opponents are bluffing when you’re playing poker.
You also have to think about how to control your emotions, portray confidence at the table, and how to recognize when things are getting away from you.
Reading this book by Jared Tendler cover to cover will give you all the tools you need to do these things more competently!
The Body Language of Poker
Mike Caro
Amazon: £27.60
Speaking of poker psychology, no mention of the subject would be right without the inclusion of Mike Caro, poker's so-called ‘Mad Genius.' Born in 1944, Caro has had a long and illustrious career in the field of gambling.
As well as authoring many books on poker, Caro has worked as a casino executive, a professional poker player, and even created his own poker-playing AI known as ‘Orac.'
In 1995 Caro published his world-famous book ‘The Body Language of Poker.'
If you want a complete overview of all the main tells to look out for at the poker table, this book should be your Holy Bible.
