Learn from the pro's with the best poker books ever written.

Back in issue 4 the Big Slick listed and reviewed the top 5 poker books ever written. The results were based on an online poll amongst poker players and Doyle Brunson’s Super/System – aka, The Bible – topped the survey with 40% of the vote.

Though perhaps not surprising that Brunson’s masterpiece took the number one spot it did come as a surprise that the other four books were either works of fiction or biographical.

Of course, aside from Brunson’s Super/System there are many other useful educational books on poker packed with top tips, advice, anecdotes and stats.

So for this issue the Big Slick team have been burning the midnight oil to bring a selection of the best educational books – with a particular emphasis on Hold’em.

1. Super/System – Doyle Brunson

Originally titled How I made over $100,000 playing poker Brunson’s seminal work was first published in 1978 – following back to back World Series of Poker wins.

His style of writing is both authoritative and analytical and the book, although now a little dated, is still considered the standard text on No Limit Hold’em. Brunson, often dubbed the Godfather of modern poker, outlines a fast-paced style of relentlessly aggressive play that aims to dominate the table. And while it isn’t for the faint-hearted it sure works!

Despite being famed for its no-limit Hold’em section the book also features several other sections including Draw Poker, 7 Card Stud, Lowball, High Low and Limit Hold’em. Each section is written up by an expert in the field – including other WSOP event winners and players who have gone on to become renowned poker theorists and authors themselves including David Sklansky and Mike Caro.

Although a little dated Brunson’s own No Limit section is extensive and still very relevant. If you play no-limit Hold’em you simply can’t afford not to read it – the chances are someone on your table has and is using his ideas against you!

2. Winning Low Limit Hold’em – Lee Jones

The ideal book for anyone who plays low-limit Hold’em or would like to play it. Jones writes in a clear no-nonsense user-friendly style and provides a solid foundation to being a winning player.

Among the subjects covered are the game’s fundamentals, which hands to play, odds and how to calculate them, how to play hands, maximising the return from winning hands and when to bluff. Jones also offers advice on bankrolls, playing in public card rooms and discipline.

Although the book is based on Jones’s experiences in Californian card rooms –before the explosion in online limit poker – the advice is still relevant. It champions a tight aggressive style of play pointing out that many players are simply calling stations when they start out. This is as true in online low-limit poker as it was offline in California.

A strong introduction to the game the book won’t teach players about advanced poker theory. Jones recommends his book for players up to $3-$6 suggesting further skills are needed to take on and beat larger stake games.

3. Hold’em Poker for Advanced Players – David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth

Where Jones left off Sklansky and Malmuth pick up. While the book itself won’t turn anyone into a professional on its own it is aimed at medium and high limit players.

Topics covered include starting hands; position and opponent types as well as more advanced concepts such as free cards, semi-bluffing, check-raising and implied odds. Advice is also offered on how to play different hands – such as pocket pairs – playing in loose and short-handed games.

Much of the advice is aimed at tight aggressive higher limit games that the authors played in themselves. Although some online games maybe a little looser at medium levels the book is still useful. Advanced players should understand they must adapt advice to the particular game situations they find themselves in.

Originally published in 1994 the book is densely packed with ideas and advice. Many of the theories mentioned will be used against you at medium to higher limit games by players who have read the book themselves. Definitely one for bookcase as a resource to be constantly referred to after the initial read through.

4. Tournament Poker For Advanced Players – David Sklansky

Probably the most important book on tournament strategy ever written. Sklansky confirms his status as one of America’s foremost poker theorists in simply breathtaking fashion. If you’re even half serious about tournament poker this book is absolutely essential reading.

The book isn’t for those new to the game - Sklansky assumes the reader already has a good knowledge of poker. But even most of these players will be blown away by the book’s insight, authority and ideas. Many players are aware there is a difference between playing cash games and tournaments. Sklansky pinpoints the differences and his analysis is nothing short of brilliant.

He starts with the basics culminating with the famous Gap Concept – the idea that you need a better hand to call than you do to open the betting. But every aspect of tournament play, from the clock, stack sizes, all-in play, rising blinds, table break ups, making the money and making deals – among many others – is covered.

Ideas previously only employed by top tournament players are also explained – such as when not to knock a player out when you can because it’s to your advantage not too. It sounds crazy but makes perfect sense and your chip stack will grow!

The book focuses on tournament theory rather than how to play hands meaning the advice can be applied to several forms of tournament poker. Examples of different styles of poker are given throughout – and there’s a strong section dedicated to no-limit Hold’em that covers key areas of play such as when you’re holding Ace King.

Essentially this book explains why some players excel at tournament poker – and offers the opportunity to join them.

5. Caro’s Book of Tells – The Body Language of Poker - Mike Caro

One for those who play in bricks and mortar card rooms or enjoy a friendly home game. The book has nothing to do with cards or strategy – but rather the tells, the body language of other players – and how to use them to your advantage.

Republished in 2003 the long-time classic, one of the most revolutionary books on poker, is packed with more than 170 pictures illustrating different tells. Poker psychology and body language has never been covered in more detail in the same book.

Subjects covered include tells from those who are unaware, those trying to be deliberately misleading, nervousness, sudden interest, looking at chips and instant reaction.

Also discussed are why people pause before betting into you, what it means if they bet at you and stare at you or look down at their chips. If you can refrain from laughing at some of the haircuts and dress sense in the pictures it’s a fascinatingly insightful book that will give you an edge over many players you come across.

Of course, there are many other useful educational poker books. Others well worth dipping into include Alan Schoonmaker’s The Psychology of Poker, a useful addition to Caro’s Book of Tells, Sklansky’s Theory of Poker, an excellent general introduction though perhaps with not enough emphasis on Hold’em for today’s players.

Championship No-Limit& Pot-Limit Hold’em by TJ Cloutier and Tom McEvoy – is definitely worth the read even if it’s just for an insight in Cloutier, one of the game’s greatest players, and to hear some of his amazing anecdotes. While for those who want to bury themselves in stats Mike Petriv’s Hold’em’s Odd(s) Book answers every possible statistical question you could ever have on the game – just have some headache pills to hand!