Author: Jonathan Little
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Let's cut to the chase - we all know bluffing is an art form in poker, but Jonathan Little's "Bluffs" takes it to a scholarly level. If you think bluffing is all about your poker face and guts, think again! Little dives into the nitty-gritty of bluffing with the precision of a surgeon and the insight of a philosopher.
Little's structured and analytical approach is a breath of fresh air. He dissects each phase of the game, from pre-flop to the river, with the meticulousness o...
Author: Mike Caro
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Mike Caro, often dubbed as the Mad Genius of Poker, brings us a tantalizing exploration of poker tells in his book, "Caro's Book of Poker Tells: The Psychology and Body Language of Poker". This book isn't just a read; it's a journey into the intricate world of poker psychology.
Caro dives into the murky waters of tells, those little twitches, blinks, and sweat beads that can shout louder than words at a poker table. The book is a treasure trove, packed with over 170 photos and examples, making it a visu...
Author: Jonathan Little
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Jonathan Little's Excelling at No-Limit Hold'em" is more than just a poker book; it's a treasure trove of advanced strategies and insights from some of the brightest minds in the game. As an expert poker player myself, I found this book to be a delightful and enlightening journey through the nuances of modern No-Limit Hold'em.
The book brilliantly divides its content into three main sections: Poker Strategy, The Technical Game, and The Mental Game. Each section is packed with nuggets of wisdom from ...
Author: Blockhead
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
"Seat Open" isn't your average poker strategy book. It's a tale from the felt, dealing out a mix of personal anecdotes, degenerate adventures, and a smattering of poker insights. But, let's not kid ourselves; this isn't "The Theory of Poker" by Sklansky. It's more like a night out with a chatty poker buddy who can't help but spill their wildest Vegas stories.
Blockhead’s narrative style is, in a word, engaging. You'll find yourself caught up in the whirlwind of...
Author: Lee Jones
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
"Winning Low-Limit Hold'em" by Lee Jones is like the poker playbook for anyone looking to dominate their Friday night poker game or the local casino scene. With a solid 4.5-star average from a crowd of poker enthusiasts, it's almost like holding a royal flush in your hands. Almost.
Jones is the Yoda of low-stakes poker. He doesn't just tell you what cards to play; he dives into the why behind every move. The book is peppered with strategies on preflop, postflop, and those nerve-wracking endgam...
Author: Dan Harrington
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let's cut to the chase: "Harrington on Hold 'em Vol. 2" is not just a book; it's a poker revolution in paperback. Dan Harrington, the author, takes you on a journey from the middle to the very end of no-limit poker tournaments. Spoiler alert: It's a wild ride!
Author: Jane Stanton Hitchcock
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
"Bluff" is not your typical poker book. It's a noir crime thriller that brings the high-stakes world of poker to life in a narrative that's as much about bluffing in life as it is in the game.
Imagine a world where high society and high-stakes poker blend seamlessly. That's "Bluff" for you. Our protagonist, Maud Warner, mirrors the author's background, giving us a narrative steeped in authenticity. It's a whirlwind of financial schemes, possible murders, and, of course, poker!
While the book is not a poker strategy ...
Author: Doyle Brunson
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Doyle Brunson's Super System 2 is not just a book; it's a journey into the minds of poker's finest. With a whopping 4.5 average rating from over 200 reviews, this tome is a must-have for anyone serious about the game.
Super System 2 isn't your run-of-the-mill poker guide. It's more like a buffet of poker wisdom, offering a smorgasbord of strategies across various forms of the game. The coverage is impressive, from Hold'em to Triple Draw, and even a section on **online ...
Author: Mike Sexton
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
"Life's a Gamble" is more than just a book; it's a journey through the high-stakes world of poker, narrated by none other than the legend himself, Mike Sexton. Sexton doesn't just play his cards right; he plays his life right, with a dash of charisma and a pinch of wisdom.
Mike's narrative is as engaging as a royal flush. His stories are not just about the cards but about the people behind them - legends like Doyle Brunson and Stu Ungar. What shines through is Mike's humility and realism. He doesn't shy...
Author: Molly Bloom
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Molly's Game, penned by Molly Bloom herself, is not your typical poker tale. This book delves deep into the world of high-stakes poker, played by the elite and the notorious. It's an intriguing blend of glamour, grit, and a game that's much more than just cards.
Molly Bloom narrates her extraordinary journey from a skier with Olympic aspirations to a mastermind behind the most exclusive poker game. The book captures the essence of a life lived ...
Author: Dan Harrington
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dan Harrington's "Harrington on Hold 'em Expert Strategy for No Limit Tournaments, Vol. 1: Strategic Play" is not just a book; it's a treasure trove for poker enthusiasts. Harrington, a World Series of Poker champion, has laid out a comprehensive guide that caters to both greenhorns and seasoned veterans of the felt.
Harrington's writing is as sharp as his poker skills. He explains complex strategies in layman's terms, making it easier for readers to grasp the nuances of No...
Author: Chuck Clayton
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Let's be clear: poker is not just about luck. It's a game of skill, strategy, and, yes, math. In "Mastering Poker Math," Chuck Clayton takes us on a journey to understanding the mathematical underpinnings of this beloved card game. But is it the Holy Grail of poker success? Well, let's shuffle through the pages and see.
The book is a mix of beginner-friendly concepts and nuggets for the seasoned player. Clayton breaks down essential strategies like the Rule of 2 and 4, making t...
Author: Phil Hellmuth
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let's dive into the world of Phil Hellmuth, a poker icon known for his brilliant plays and equally brilliant tantrums. "Poker Brat" is not your run-of-the-mill autobiography. It's a mixed bag of Hellmuth's life, career, and yes, his infamous ego.
While Phil's prowess at the poker table is unquestionable, the book's editing is another story. It's like knowing the river card before the turn – a bit of a letdown. Spoilers in the subheadings? Come on, Phil, you're better than that. And the repetitions... w...
Author: Ian Dunross
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Poker: Everything You Need To Know About Poker From Beginner To Expert" is a title that sounds like a promise. A promise of transforming you from a poker nobody to a somebody. It's the kind of book that makes you think, "Finally, I can stop being the snack-fetcher and become the shark!" But does it deliver? Well, it's a bit of a mixed hand.
First off, let's give credit where it's due. The book does a dec...
Author: Andrew Brokos
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Andrew Brokos' Play Optimal Poker attempts to bridge the gap between recreational poker and the intricate world of game theory optimal (GTO) play. But, does it really deal a winning hand or fold under pressure?
The book kicks off with an ambitious goal: to simplify GTO for the masses. You're not just learning strategies; you're getting a whole new poker mindset. Think of it as a mental gym where your brain does the heavy lifting, not just your poker face.
But here's the rub: the book lean...
Author: Mike Matusow
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
"Mike Matusow: Check-Raising the Devil" is not just a book about poker; it's a rollercoaster ride through the life of one of poker's most colorful characters. Mike Matusow, nicknamed "The Mouth" for his unfiltered talk at the tables, lays it all out in this gripping autobiography.
Matusow's journey from a "deadbeat adolescence" to a poker superstar is nothing short of remarkable. He dives deep into his early days, dealing cards and learning the ropes, and doesn't shy away from the darker parts of his life - from battling bipo...
Author: Alton Hardin
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
"Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition" is more than just a book; it's a passport to mastering the mathematical foundation of No-Limit Hold'em. Alton Hardin takes what could be a snooze-fest topic and turns it into an engaging and approachable guide.
Let's get this straight: you might think you know poker, but do you really know it? Hardin’s book excels in breaking down complex concepts like pot odds, equity betting, and expecte...
Author: Doyle 'Texas Dolly' Brunson
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Doyle Brunson's Super System is not just a book; it's a poker institution. Dubbed as the Bible of Poker, this masterpiece is more than just a strategy guide—it's a journey into the mind of a poker legend.
Doyle, with his usual wit and wisdom, takes us through the intricate labyrinth of poker strategies. The book covers various styles of poker, though some feel it leans more towards the old school. It's a whopping 605 pages of Brunson's insights, which can feel a bit overwhelming, but every page is a nugget ...
Author: Dan Harrington
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Harrington's guide—is it the Holy Grail of poker strategies or just another card up the sleeve? With a staggering 4.6 average rating, it seems like Dan Harrington has dealt a winning hand, yet again. But let's not jump the gun.
This isn't your regular poker strategy guide. It's a workbook—meaning you'll need a pencil, a calculator, and probably a stress ball. It's interactive, engaging, and designed to test your poker mettle. Think of it as a gym for your poker brain.
Author: Gus Hansen
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gus Hansen, known for his unorthodox and aggressive playing style, pulls back the curtain on his thought process in "Every Hand Revealed". The book takes readers on a thrilling ride through every hand Hansen played to win the Aussie Millions.
Spoiler alert: This isn't your average poker manual. Hansen's approach is more about the psychological warfare and less about playing by the book. It's like taking a peek into a poker wizard's mind. You won't find dry, technical jargon here – it's all Hansen, in al...
Author: Michael Acevedo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Hold on to your chips, folks! We're diving into the world of GTO (Game Theory Optimal) poker with Michael Acevedo's "Modern Poker Theory." Is it the Holy Grail of poker strategy or just another book with fancy graphs? Let's shuffle through the pages.
Acevedo attempts to serve a full-course meal of poker strategies. The book is jammed-packed with charts, equations, and scenarios. If you're a poker nerd who gets excited over GTO solvers, you're in for a treat! But, if you're math-phobic, brace yourself for some heavy lifting. The ...
Author: James Sweeney
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alright, poker enthusiasts, brace yourselves for a journey into the realm of math and preflop strategies. James Sweeney's "Poker Workbook: Math & Preflop" promises to be your guide, but does it deliver? Let's dive into the nitty-gritty.
First off, let's talk about what's in the book. It's not for the faint of heart or the greenest of rookies. This book demands a bit of poker know-how, so if you're still figuring out that a flush beats a straight, you might w...
Author: Phil Gordon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Phil Gordon's Little Green Book" is like a poker bible for those aspiring to graduate from the kiddie pool of poker play to the deep end. The book, with its direct and unapologetically candid tone, is a breath of fresh air in a genre often clouded by overly technical jargon.
Gordon's approach is like a friend who's not afraid to tell you when you're about to make a bad bet. He presents a collection of insights and strategies that are...
Author: Ed Miller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
At first glance, Ed Miller's "The Course" might seem like just another poker strategy book. But as someone who's slogged through the muck of countless poker guides, I can tell you this one's different. It's like finding a royal flush in a sea of pairs.
Ed's approach is refreshingly straightforward. He doesn't just rehash the same old strategies; he takes you on a journey from poker novice to No-Limit Hold 'Em whiz. The book’s focus on **skill dev...
Author: Jared Tendler
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
At first glance, you might think "The Mental Game of Poker 2" is just another one of those self-help books masquerading as a poker guide. But hold your horses! This book by Jared Tendler isn't your typical poker strategy manual. It's a deep dive into the psychological warfare that unfolds at the poker table.
Tendler's book isn't about the hand you're dealt; it's about the mind dealing with the hand. It's like a mental boot camp for poker players. Tendler, with his sports psychology background, doesn't just skim the surface. He ...
Author: Matthew Janda
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Matthew Janda, known for his deep strategic insights, doesn't disappoint in "No-Limit Hold 'em For Advanced Players." This book isn't for the faint-hearted or those just dipping their toes into the poker world. It's a complex, nuanced, and, dare I say, a slightly esoteric exploration into the intricacies of high-stakes no-limit hold 'em.
The book's emphasis on tough games sets it apart. Janda dives into advanced AI and GTO (Game Theory Optimal) play, bringing a level of sophisticati...
Author: Tyler Nals
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Tyler Nals' "A Fishy Poker Tournament" isn't your typical poker strategy book. Think of it as sitting down for a game, expecting a straight flush, but getting a royal flush with a side of humor and human drama. It's not just about the cards; it's about the characters holding them.
The book shines with its array of quirky characters - you know, the kind you'd swear you've played against (or perhaps been) in a late-night game. Nals has a knack for making these personalities come to life, adding a dash of...
Author: Tyler Nals
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tyler Nals' "Poker Notes" isn't just a book; it's a journey into the minds of poker players. With entertaining anecdotes and strategic insights, this book offers a fresh perspective on the game. But let's not get ahead of ourselves; is it the royal flush of poker literature?
The book shines in its ability to place you right at the poker table, allowing you to virtually peer over the shoulders of your opponents. It's like having a chat with a witty, experienced player who's seen it all. Nals' approach to strategy is less about hard...
Author: Zachary Elwood
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Reading Poker Tells" by Zachary Elwood is a fascinating journey into the intricate world of poker psychology. With a 4.4 average rating from poker enthusiasts, this book promises to peel back the layers of player behavior at the poker table.
Elwood delves into a range of poker tells, offering keen insights for both novices and veterans. The book's strength lies in its practical approach, focusing on real-world tells over theoretical jargon. However, some seasoned players...
Author: Ashton Cartwright
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
As a seasoned poker player and avid reader, I dove into Ashton Cartwright's "The Habits of Winning Poker Players" with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. The book, garnishing mixed reactions, stands at an average 3.5 stars. But what does this mean for you, the reader?
Cartwright does an admirable job in distilling poker's complexities. The book is a great starting point for novices. It breaks down intimidating poker jargon and eases beginners i...
Author: Annie Duke and John Vorhaus
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let's get this straight: if you're expecting another run-of-the-mill poker guide with standard play-by-numbers advice, then you're in for a surprise. "Decide to Play Great Poker" is a breath of fresh air in the poker book world, offering a unique blend of strategy and psychological insight.
Annie Duke and John Vorhaus dive deep into the mental aspects of poker, making it clear that success at the table is more about making decisions than having good cards. Thi...
Author: Alton Hardin
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In a world where intuition often takes the front seat, Alton Hardin's "Essential Poker Math" reminds us why the brain trumps gut feeling. It's a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point guide for those who want to understand the math behind the madness. Hardin takes the often intimidating world of poker mathematics and breaks it down into digestible, easy-to-understand chunks.
This isn't your average poker guide that leaves you wonde...
Author: Alton Hardin
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ah, the world of micro stakes poker, where the promise of transforming from a hopeful novice to a feared table shark is as alluring as a royal flush. Enter Alton Hardin's Master Micro Stakes Poker, a book that's been buzzing around the poker community like a hot rumor. With a 4.7-star rating from 327 reviewers, it's like the pocket aces of poker books, right? Let's shuffle through its pages and find out.
First things first: Hardin's approach is methodical. He doesn't just throw poker jargon at you and ex...
Author: Sky Matsuhashi
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
As someone who's sifted through a mountain of poker books, I approached "How To Study Poker: Volume 1" with a blend of curiosity and skepticism. Will this be yet another tome that promises the moon and delivers cheese? Let's see.
Author: Nolan Dalla
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Essence: "One of a Kind" isn't just another poker book; it's a deep dive into the tumultuous life of Stuey 'The Kid' Ungar, a man who lived on the edge of genius and self-destruction.
The Genius and the Downfall: Ungar, a legendary figure in the world of cards, is portrayed with a vividness that almost makes you feel like you're sitting across from him at the poker table. His life, marked by incredible highs and devastating lows, is a tale of a man who could outplay anyone but could...
Author: Lee Nelson
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
You've probably stumbled upon Lee Nelson's "Kill Everyone" while sifting through the myriad of poker strategy books, wondering if this is the magical tome to transform your game from fish to shark. Well, buckle up!
Let's cut to the chase - this book is a mix of gold nuggets and head-scratchers. It's like finding a hidden path in a dense forest, but occasionally, you hit a math equation that makes you wonde...
Author: Ed Miller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Poker's 1%," authored by Ed Miller, dives deep into the secrets of elite poker players. With a lofty average rating of 4.6, it's clearly more than just another poker book. Let's shuffle through its pages to see if it really deals a winning hand or if it's just bluffing.
The central premise of this book is frequency-based play. Miller, the poker world's Einstein, simplifies complex, high-level game theory for us mere mortals. The book isn't just about throwing fancy poker jargon around; it's about understanding the essence of every move on the poker tabl...
Author: Ed Miller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Playing The Player" isn't your run-of-the-mill poker strategy guide. It's Ed Miller's magnum opus on exploiting your opponents' weaknesses. With an average rating of 4.6 from 166 reviews, it's clear Miller's hit the jackpot with this one. But let's shuffle through the deck and see what's really under the chips.
Miller dives deep into the psychology of poker, emphasizing the art of reading opponents rather than just playing the cards. He offers intriguing insights, but beware, it's not all smooth sailing. Some readers have noted the book is ri...
Author: Collin Moshman
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Ah, the thrill of the game! "Sit 'n Go Strategy" promises to elevate your poker prowess from fish-level to shark in the vast ocean of one-table tournaments. Moshman's approach is practical and strategic, but let's dive a bit deeper, shall we?
Moshman's style isn't just about playing cards; it's about playing the player. His insightful examples, while not always consistent, offer a plethora of scenarios for the aspiring poker enthusiast. Each example is a pearl of wisdom, showing you how to a...
Author: Jonathan Little
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let's cut to the chase. Jonathan Little's "Strategies for Beating Small Stakes Poker Cash Games" is a concise, no-fluff guide aimed at aspiring poker players who dream of dominating small stakes games. With an average rating of 4.4 stars from 447 ratings, this book is not your run-of-the-mill poker manual. It’s more like a secret weapon, albeit not without its quirks.
First, the good stuff. The book's strength lies in its **practical ...
Author: Daniel Negreanu
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hold on to your chips, folks! I've just finished reading Daniel Negreanu's Power Hold'em Strategy, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster ride of poker wisdom. With an average rating of 4.6 from over 600 readers, it's clear I'm not the only one who thinks Negreanu has dealt a winning hand with this book.
First things first: this book isn't a kindergarten for beginners. Sure, there's a chapter by Evelyn Ng that's aimed at rookies, but the main meat of the book is juicier stuff - power tournament no-limit poker. So, if you're a fresh-fa...
Author: Dr. Patricia Cardner
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let's cut to the chase: poker isn't just about holding the best cards; it's a game of mind and strategy. This is where Dr. Patricia Cardner's book, "Purposeful Practice for Poker," comes into play. It's not your usual "do X and win" poker book. Instead, it's a deep dive into the how and why of poker practice.
This book doesn't just spoon-feed poker strategies. Oh no, it's more like a fitness coach for your poker brain. The author provides a *structured framework...
Author: Ashton Cartwright
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Ashton Cartwright's "Real Grinders" tackles the elusive dream of playing poker for a living. With a modest average rating of 3.2, it's clear that readers' opinions are as varied as a deck of cards.
The core of this book is a series of interviews with 28 professional poker players. While the idea seems promising, it's a bit like a poker game that starts strong but doesn't always deliver the thrilling climax you expect.
The Good: You get a diverse range of perspectives on the...
Author: Greg Vail
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In the world of poker books, "Scoop!: Big O and PLO8" by Greg Vail promises a revolutionary take on mastering high-low concepts tailored for the Hold'em-minded player. But does it deliver a royal flush or is it more of a bluff?
The content is a mixed bag. On one hand, Vail does an impressive job laying out core concepts and advanced strategies. However, the book's editing is like a bad poker face – full of grammatical errors and typos. It's like being dealt a strong hand only to find out the dec...
Author: Ed Miller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Whoever said "Don't judge a book by its cover" clearly hadn't seen the cover of Ed Miller's Small Stakes Hold 'em. It's as intriguing as a royal flush. But let's dive into the real deal: the content.
Miller, the poker maestro, serves up a hearty dish of strategies, especially for those not new to the poker table but still a little green. If you're dreaming of being the shark at low-limit games, this might just be your guidebook. But, beware, this is not for the faint-hearted or the poker novices.
Author: Peter Clarke
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let's cut to the chase: "The Grinder's Manual" is not your average poker book. It's a deep dive into the world of online 6-max cash games, and it doesn't shy away from the nitty-gritty. If you're looking for a light read, this ain't it. But if you're ready to up your game, read on.
First thing's first: this book is dense. Peter Clarke seems to have left no stone unturned. We're talking comprehensive strategies, hand records, and even the math behind it all. It's like a t...
Author: Jared Tendler
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let's cut to the chase: Jared Tendler's "The Mental Game of Poker" isn't your typical poker strategy book. Don't expect hand rankings or the secret to a royal flush. It's all about the mind game. For those diving in, expect a journey into the deep waters of your poker psyche.
Author: Alexander Fitzgerald
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a poker pro? Alexander Fitzgerald's "The Myth of Poker Talent" might just be the nudge you need. With a 4.4 average rating from 185 readers, this book challenges the traditional notion that poker greatness is a birthright.
Fitzgerald asserts that hard work, not inherent talent, is the key. His approach is akin to taming a wild horse—expect twists and turns, but relish the challenge. The book is a mix of autobiography and strategy, offering a candid...
Author: David Sklansky
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Let's cut to the chase: Sklansky's "The Theory of Poker" isn't your grandma's bedtime story. It's more like a college textbook that forgot it was supposed to be user-friendly. It's dense, it's meaty, and it's not for the poker faint-hearted.
Unlike other books that give you the poker equivalent of fish, Sklansky teaches you how to fish. He's all about the big picture. You're not just learning odds or tells; you're learning how to think. And think hard, you will.
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