Poker Books

Online Poker: Read Your Way to a Profit

One of the best statements about poker books and learning materials comes from the 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event winner Greg “Fossilman” Raymer. He urges beginning players to use the experience and intelligence of professional poker players, saying, “I can say with full confidence that if it were not for Two Plus Two Publishing and their web site, I would not have the 2004 World Championship bracelet on my wrist.”

Online Poker Reading: The Must-Haves

This is but one example of the value found in good poker books, DVD learning tools and Internet sites. Nearly every successful poker player knows who David Sklansky is. His book The Theory of Poker (Two Plus Two Publishing, Las Vegas, 1987) may be one of the best sources around for an overall view of poker. This book should be in the hands of every serious player, along with these:

• Super System 2: A Course in Power Poker by Doyle Brunson (Cardoza Publishing, New York, 2005)

Not only does the legend tells his own story of becoming one of the world’s great players, he invites a number of successful players to write chapters on their best game. The chapters include: Tips from Mike Caro University; Limit Hold ‘Em by Jennifer Harman; Omaha Eight or Better by Bobby Baldwin; Seven-Card Stud High-Low Eight or Better by Todd Brunson; Pot Limit Omaha High by Lyle Berman; Triple Draw by Daniel Negreanu; No-Limit Hold ‘Em by Doyle Brunson.

Action Dan!

• Harrington on Hold ‘Em by Dan Harrington (Two Plus Two Publishing, Henderson, NV, 2004)

The man known as “Action Dan” has written several books in this series. One of them focuses on No Limit tournament play, another on cash games etc. Harrington is recognized by his peers as one of the great players of the modern era. He won the WSOP Main Event in 1995 and made the final table in both 2003 and 2004. If you are looking for solid information about how to play winning poker, it’s in these books.

Folding to Win?

• Secrets the Pros Won’t Tell you About Winning Hold ‘Em Poker by Lou Krieger and Sheree Bykofsky (Kensington Publishing Corp., New York, 2006)

This may be one of the lesser known books but it may be helpful to beginning and intermediate players who really want to player a better game. It’s an easy read and offers information in an interesting way. For example, the authors explain why folding more often can lead to winning more often.

This short list barely scratches the surface in the field of poker books. Grab a couple of them and get started!