Most poker players learn how to play Hold'em from hours of experience at
the table. While this continues to be one of the greatest teachers in the
poker world, we have also been fortunate to have some of the greatest players
document what they have learned in their books and software.
Listed below are some of the books that we have found to be the most beneficial.
For your convenience, the links will take you to the book's page at BarnesandNoble.com
where you can purchase the book. We have also provided the ability to perform
a search at eBay
where you can generally get the same books for less money (be sure to know the MSRP before bidding).
Also be sure to check out our software recommendations. These programs
will help give you true experience in a controled environment
Poker for Dummies is an excellent introductory
book to the world of poker. It covers basic
concepts for Texas Hold'em, 7-Card Stud,
Draw Poker and more. It also gives you some
high level advice on money management and
home poker game variations. Not recommended
if you are only looking for Texas Hold'em
advice (only 1 chapter) or any one specific
game, but it provides a great base to build
upon for a well rounded knowledge of poker.
Hold'em Poker is a great book on Texas Hold'em
Poker. This introductory text explains some
of the most important skills every player
should have in his/her arsenal. In addition
to starting hands and situation strategy,
it also explains some deeper concepts such
as Semi-Bluffing and paying attention to
the best possible hand at all times. This
book is recommended for every player and
serves as a good introduction to Texas Hold'em.
The only drawback this book has, as do many
of David Sklansky's books, is that the thinking
becomes so deep, that it is sometimes hard
to follow. (this probably just shows the
limitations of how deep I can think:) ) It
is usually a good idea to re-read any paragraphs
that you don't understand until you do, as
the knowledge within is always worthwhile.
Winning Low-Limit Hold'em is all about the
differences between low-limit and middle/high
limit play. Playing in the low limits is
VERY different than playing at other levels.
This book helps you understand how to take
advantage of the situations presented by
the lower limits and what to avoid. This
book is recommended for the beginner that
has a basic understanding of Hold'em but
feels that they need help playing at the
lower limits. Keep in mind that many of the
strategies in this book are "tighter"
than usual play due to the lower limits.
This will help establish a solid foundation
of play, but may be too predictable at the
higher levels.
The Illustrated Guide to Texas Hold'em is an excellent book providing over
150 hold'em situations. The situations are the core of this book and they
provide great insight into many hands that are encountered while playing
the game. The author truly selected the most critcal situations for any
beginning or intermediate hold'em player. I would strongly recommend reading
this book after one of the entry level books above, as it does not get
into (directly) the core hold'em strategies or overview of the game. Rather
it uses many examples (150 of them) to help you learn the strategies.
One of the most important aspects of good poker playing doesn't take place at the table, it takes place after the game. It's good record keeping and it is the one true way to understand how you are playing and what you need to do to improve your game. The Poker Journal provides everything you need to record your play, from wins and losses
to the type of game you were in. It even helps you to keep track of frequently
played opponents and record key styles and aspects of their game. Also
has goals, lessons learned and bankroll management sections.
