All around the world, people read a variety of books for a number of purposes, including learning about something new. In fact, nowadays, there is a growing fanbase of poker players around the world, with more televised poker events every year. In this context, it is worth taking a look at some of the best poker books that help players enhance their poker skills.
Firstly, one book that has been praised by both new and old poker players is ‘The Mental Game of Poker’ by Jared Tendler and Barry Carter, released in 2011. This book has been incredibly valuable for people who love the competitive nature of poker and want to stand out from the crowd. Not only does it provide tips and tricks on how to overcome the losses associated with the game, but it also teaches readers how to achieve a good balance between poker and the rest of your life. Jared Tendler is also careful not to overcomplicate the steps to overcome issues such as fear that can crop up during a game of poker. The book has also received critical acclaim because his words inspire confidence and motivation in those who read it when they play games such as Real Money Poker.
Furthermore, many poker fans have learned a lot from reading ‘Elements of Poker’ by Tommy Angelo, released in 2007. The goal of this book’s author is to up your game in poker and take your skills to the next level. ‘Elements of Poker’ teaches you how to stay at the top of your game and ultimately become a better poker player. As poker is a game that can result in either a positive or negative outcome, becoming familiar with how to overcome these negative possibilities is something that is a must when it comes to poker.
Moreover, for many poker players who are looking to get a unique insight into the game of poker, ‘The Making of a Poker Player’ by Matt Matros in 2007 is a perfect read. Authored by someone who started off his poker career by playing the game as a hobby, this book offers advice from a professional perspective. It chronicles his own personal journey as a young poker player to the point just before he found success after the book was released; Matros then won three World Series of Poker gold bracelets.
In addition, any poker enthusiast who is interested in the game will know that there is a mathematical aspect to the game. Therefore, ‘The Mathematics of Poker’ by Bill Chen and Jerrod Ankenman, released in 2006, has been a valuable book for many. Offering a myriad of detailed math problems and solutions in the context of poker, this book is more geared toward those who have an interest in the mathematical background behind poker.
Of course, while a lot of poker books revolve around advice and tips around the game, there are a plethora of poker-related books that delve into the specific variations of poker. For example, Mathew Janda’s ‘Applications of No-Limit Hold’em’, released in 2013, provides some great material for those who have a special interest in the poker variation Texas Hold’em. The book is also a powerful resource for those who want to expand their knowledge on specific theoretical concepts such as ranges and bet sizing, which should ultimately enhance their skills in the game. Many readers of this book find that after reading it, they are able to apply the concepts they have learned to their own playing styles in order to become a better poker player.
Another book that has allowed poker fans to acquire more knowledge on the game is ‘Theory of Poker’ by David Sklansky, released in 1983. As one of the first important books released on the subject of poker, this text details a myriad of strategies and theories that need to be understood before playing the game of poker. The book also provides crucial information about terminology such as bluffing, psychology, odds, position etc, which can provide a good starting point for those who are new to the realms of poker. It is not just for novices of the game, as advanced players can also benefit from expanding their knowledge on several variations of poker, including five-card draw (high), seven-card stud, hold ’em, lowball draw, and razz (seven-card lowball stud).
Ultimately, with more and more people having an unrelenting thirst for knowledge, there is an increasing demand for books that teach people how to play games like poker. From poker books that deal with how to play the game to poker-based books that provide advice on how to deal with specific variations of the game, reading these types of poker books can be a sure way to elevate your approach to poker.
