Poker Books

One of the best ways to learn poker or improve your poker skills is through poker books. There are hundreds of books out there. If you want to set up a basic poker library in your home here are some poker books you might want to include.

First, it’s wise to include at least one “overall” poker book. By this I mean a book that covers the basics of poker, such as hand ranks, dealing etiquette, etc. These topics apply to all forms of poker and contain information every beginner needs to learn. A couple of good book choices in this category include: “The Theory of Poker” by David Sklansky and “The Body Language of Poker” by Mike Caro. “The Theory of Poker” focuses on all aspects of the game, and gives good tips to all levels of players. As the name implies, “The Body Language of Poker”, which is often referred to as the “book of tells” covers how to read the body language of other players and how to keep your own in check.

Next, you should have a book or two devoted to each particular poker game that you play, or desire to learn. Here are several highly recommended game specific books.

“Winning Low Limit Hold’em” by Lee Jones – This book is a good beginning Hold’em poker book. It will help new players learn the ropes and play knowledgeably. Another good beginning Hold’em book is “Hold’em Poker” by David Sklansky.

“Improve Your Poker” by Bob Ciaffone – This book is for graduates of the book listed above. It’s for intermediate to advanced Hold’em players playing in middle and high limit games.

“Seven Card Stud for Advanced Players” by M. Malmuth and Ray Zee – This book teaches the more advanced techniques on playing seven card stud. You should graduate from a book like “7 Card Stud – The Waiting Game” by George Percy first. Percy’s book will teach you the basics of this game and Malmuth and Zee’s advanced version will teach you ways to improve on your basic skills.

If you play poker online, you might want to include an internet poker book devoted to learning the ins and outs of this particular way of playing poker. While the tutorials on the websites themselves can provide you some basics, their information is not designed to teach you to win.

A library of poker reference books can help new poker players learn and help all poker players advance their skills. As you become a better player, add more advanced books to your library. Soon, you’ll be the poker expert and ready for those high stakes games!