Any Books Worth Reading?

Ganchrow · 12-23-07, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by usckingsfan31

I've been playing hold'em since before it got so popular on ESPN, probably about 8 years or so now. Still, I don't doubt that I have room to improve.

Are there any poker books out there worth reading for intermediate+/advanced poker players? I don't need a book telling me hand rankings or position or that A 6 is a weak hand. I mean something that might actually teach me something and help hone my skills. Any recommendations?

Thanks guys.

The Mathematics of Poker is an excellent book for the mathematically inclined.

SBR Lou · 12-24-07, 01:46 PM

The Theory of Poker, by David Sklansky. Often regarded as the real bible of poker, much better book than Doyle Brunson's Super System in my opinion.

Cannonfodder · 12-25-07, 05:57 PM

Super System by Doyle Brunson isn't very good except for the stud which is very good reading.

TJ Cloutier's book isn't bad

McBa1n · 12-25-07, 09:11 PM

I agree 100% on the Sklansky book. Also - I agree with Super System to a point (depending if you're a cash game player or tourney - or both), however, I agree 100% on reading the Stud section and I ALSO believe the Stub 8/b to be fantastic. While the lessons and situations approached are in different games - the principles apply great. Knowing those chapters up/down has helped my hold em game more than any other book dealing with hold em heh (NL, that is).

slacker00 · 12-28-07, 01:16 AM

It really depends what kind of poker you play. Tournaments or cash games? Shorthanded or full table? Online or live? Hold Em or Other? High stakes or penny ante? Etc, etc.

Generally the books by 2+2 publishing are considered the best. I agree with what others have already said above. Theory of Poker is a pretty good general classic text. SuperSystem is ok for cash games but not for tournament strategy. Do what I do, keep buying poker books and let them collect dust on your bookshelf!

Raiseandfold · 01-05-08, 01:52 PM

Highly recommend Hold' em Poker for advanced players by Sklansky and Malmuth. Nice read and pretty straight forward.

hoggin1 · 01-05-08, 04:21 PM

Has nyone seen a good book on how to play well on internet Poker?

Al Masters · 01-05-08, 07:08 PM

Originally posted by Cannonfodder

Super System by Doyle Brunson isn't very good except for the stud which is very good reading.

TJ Cloutier's book isn't bad

WHAT!super sytem is a great read and learning tool, perhaps you should go over it again, havent heard to many bad things said about it.

msutter · 01-18-08, 07:45 PM

Originally posted by hoggin1

Has nyone seen a good book on how to play well on internet Poker?

Internet Texas Hold'em by Matthew Hilger is the best I've seen for internet play

Ekim · 01-22-08, 01:26 AM

Worthwhile reading

As a previous poster said, it largely depends on what games you will be playing...
If you will be playing tournament poker then the Harrington on Holdem series is a must read. It introduces concepts like M and Q counts that many of the best tournament players consider indispensable. If you are playing sit n go's online google ICM strategy, if you develope an understanding of that concept alone it is sufficient to give you a positive ROI in most low stakes games.

For cash games it depends on stakes and environment. For low to mid stakes live poker SuperSystem 2 or Theory of Poker would be sufficient to give you an edge if you applied the concepts. For the same stakes online you would probably be better served joining an online training site or reviewing some of the hand history discussions available in online forums. Ganchrow’s recommendation (The Mathematics of Poker) is really an excellent read, an unparalleled discussion of applying game theory to poker. But it is extremely heavy reading and not something I would recommend as a quick way to improve your game.

Al Masters · 01-22-08, 02:58 AM

Hey Ekim welcome to the board.

I saw where they started with the machines at the MTL casino, how's it going over?

Ekim · 01-23-08, 09:26 PM

MTL poker

First few days the lineups were ridiculous because you need to get a special debit card issued to be able to buy chips at the table and it took casino staff forever to set you up with one. I last went on sunday and the lineups werent as bad. They have about 60 tables set up right now, though they are planning on expanding it based on the heavy demand they are recieving. No drinking at the tables which is unfortunate... but otherwise great action. Lots of terrible players and offering limits from 1-2 right up to 10-20.
No comp program either for poker players yet, though i imagine they will add one in the future.

shady610 · 01-24-08, 12:44 AM

play poker like the pros is a decent book, but it focuses more on how to end up playing hellmuth style poker instead of an overall improvement to your game

Bullajami · 01-25-08, 01:38 PM

Small Stakes holdem by Ed Miller

slacker00 · 01-25-08, 08:35 PM

Originally posted by hoggin1

Has nyone seen a good book on how to play well on internet Poker?

Killer Poker Online by John Vorhaus

I read it a couple years ago. It gave some good advice, but most of it I already knew. I'd give the book a C+ grade. Plus, it's probably already a little out of date. Save your money and just wander over to twoplustwo.com.

Al Masters · 01-26-08, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by Ekim

First few days the lineups were ridiculous because you need to get a special debit card issued to be able to buy chips at the table and it took casino staff forever to set you up with one. I last went on sunday and the lineups werent as bad. They have about 60 tables set up right now, though they are planning on expanding it based on the heavy demand they are recieving. No drinking at the tables which is unfortunate... but otherwise great action. Lots of terrible players and offering limits from 1-2 right up to 10-20.
No comp program either for poker players yet, though i imagine they will add one in the future.

They only have 25 tables!!, and are in for a huge battle against the dealers union. i have heard of stories of players walking away from the tables and other players having to wait for them to return before hand is finished, i have heard of 1-2NL game fritzing out and next hand the blinds were 10-20, thus turning it into a 10-20 nl game, then having to wait for a tech guy to fix the problems.

Apparently the only way they were allowed to get the machines in there in the 1st place was by a crazy claim that the machines were on the same level as slot machines, and not a game of skill.

Bottom line the machines are good for the manucaturer of them all his investors and the establishment that uses them.

I know i know more hands per hour and no tipping.

I want my live dealer with all his mistakes and attitude.

presley177 · 01-26-08, 02:09 PM

all of the harrington books. Sit n go strategy by Collin Moshman

...Phil Gordon books are ok... also professional poker(another 2+2 book) is a very strong book.

20Four7 · 01-27-08, 10:27 PM

Originally posted by Ganchrow

The Mathematics of Poker is an excellent book for the mathematically inclined.

How did I know that was coming. For the person who talked about Play poker like the pros don't waste your time unless your a complete newbie to poker. For tourney play the Harrington books are the best. For cash play No Limit Texas Hold'em a complete course by Angel Largay is great. As is No Limit Hold'em Theory and Practice by Ed Miller and David Sklansky.

Kellen · 02-07-08, 11:35 PM

You cant go wrong with Harrington's books. I recommend them all the time. I think all poker players should read them. Play poker like the pros is a joke. I didnt get anything out of that book. Super System is good. I have yet to read Super System 2, I cant imagine what it covers that wasnt covered in the 1st. I guess its just a more up to date version?