Recommended Poker Reading -
Best Books for your Poker Library
TOP POKER PROFESSIONALS RECOMMEND THESE BOOKS
The books the pros read
At PokerLabRat.com we get lots of requests for recommendations on the best poker books to read to improve your play. Rather than answer this ourselves this page gives poker book recomendations from some of the top poker professionals in the industry.
It should be noted however that the concensus was along the lines of...
"We’re not big fans of poker books. Once you get the basics down, is there something you can read that will drastically change your outlook on poker? Probably not. If there were a secret formula that would guarantee you'd always win, or one certain technique to win the most money, wouldn't everyone be playing that way already?
The best teacher is experience. Choose a playing style and game mentality that fits your style, then get out there and actively think about the game. See what works for you and what doesn't. No book will be as effective as your own thought process".
That said , we still think you might want to add some of all of these titles to your library (links to the recommended books on Amazon are provided below).
Chris Ferguson believes David Sklansky's Hold 'em for the Advanced Player and Theory of Poker are perhaps the two best books out there. Both of Doyle Brunson's Super System books, and Mike Caro's Book of Tells have helped his game, too.
Steve Brecher agrees with “Jesus” about Sklansky's Theory of Poker for its idea of the semi-bluff and its analysis of the concept of odds in poker. Sklansky's Hold 'em for the Advanced Player and the rest of the Advanced Player series are also solid reads. Brecher also likes Doyle Brunson's chapter on No-Limit Hold 'em in his Super System for its emphasis on the importance of implied odds (although that's Sklansky's phrase, not Brunson's).
Erik Seidel notes that he hasn't read many of the poker books out there, but his all-time favorite is The Biggest Game in Town by Al Alvarez.
Perry Friedman thinks Phil Gordon’s Little Green Book provides the best example of how to teach people to think about the game. He adds that both of Dan Harrington's books are filled with incredible advice for tournament play.
Other more poker-related titles on these pros’ bookshelves include Positively Fifth Street by James McManus, The Professor, the Banker and the Suicide King by Michael Craig, and of course Tales from the Tiltboys by the Tiltboys.
CHRIS FERGUSON STEVE BRECHER
PERRY FRIEDMAN ERIK SEIDEL
So, let's go shopping! (UK and Europe)
Poker Books Recommended by the Professionals. Best poker books to read to improve your poker play.
Build up your poker library - treat yourself and consider it an investment!