Best Poker Books to Master the Game

A groundbreaking publication that transformed the landscape of tournament poker.

Ranked as the premier book for General Strategy

This classic work sets the standard for all subsequent poker literature and remains essential reading.

In the 2007 Aussie Millions Main Event, Gus Hansen decided to take an unorthodox approach. Using a dictaphone, he documented key hands as he played, ultimately leading him to victory and the creation of an influential book.

This book significantly contributed to my financial success at the tables.

To establish yourself as a formidable long-term player, grasping the mathematical aspects of poker is essential, and few do it as effectively as Bill Chen and Jerrod Ankenman.

This book remains timelessly relevant—an absolute must-have!

The Mental Game of Poker: Proven Techniques for Managing Tilt, Boosting Confidence, Enhancing Motivation, Coping with Variance, and More

Blending lessons from coaching elite golfers with insights from mentoring pro poker players, Tendler elucidates the reasons behind emotional lapses and suggests strategies for addressing them.

Understanding the synergy between the learning process, confidence, motivation, and anxieties has not only rescued my poker career but has also profoundly enriched my personal life.

David Sklansky tops the list of authors among the top 86, with The Theory of Poker emerging as his most celebrated work. It ranks alongside Dan Harrington's series on Hold'em and Doyle Brunson's Super System as foundational texts in poker.

Let There Be Range!: Mastering SSNL/MSNL No-Limit Hold'em Games

On Amazon, the paperback of this book is priced at £1,310.54, but fortunately, shipping is on the house. It was the pioneering serious poker e-book and introduced the concept of hand ranges to novices.

A crucial read from one of the most skilled players during poker's peak era.

Daniel Negreanu, the all-time leading money winner in live tournament poker, opened up in 2008, sharing his insights along with those of fellow professionals in a style reminiscent of Super System.

In the concluding sections, Negreanu unveils his small ball strategy for the first time to the public.

Insightful concepts from the best in the game aim to deepen your understanding of its intricate nuances.

After a 26-year hiatus, Doyle Brunson returns with a sequel to Super System, enlisting the expertise of some legendary figures in the game.

Demonstrating his relevance, Doyle includes a comprehensive section on online poker.

Each chapter is well-crafted, with some surpassing expectations—like Todd Brunson's discussion on Stud 8.

Applications of No-Limit Hold'em by Matthew Janda (2013) is not intended for beginners. It's aimed at players already versed in No-Limit Hold'em looking for enhancement. Known as the ultimate poker blueprint, it covers equity calculations, hand range theories, and optimal game strategies like no other.

Ranked the top resource for Online Strategy

Harrington on Hold'em, Volume II: The Endgame; Expert Strategy for No Limit Tournaments

Essential Poker Literature to Master the Game: Must-Reads for Every Poker Enthusiast

Analyzing the Data Behind the Most Significant Poker Books

Jonathan Little Shares Insights on the Process of Writing Poker Literature

Identifying the Unexplored Areas in Influential Poker Literature

Harrington on Hold'em, Volume I: A Guide to Strategic Play

Super/System: A Comprehensive Course in Power Poker II

Harrington on Hold'em, Volume III: The Accompanying Workbook

Tournament Poker Tactics for Experienced Players

Authored by Ed Miller, David Sklansky, and Mason Malmuth

Amarillo Slim’s Take on Living in a World of Excess

Secrets of Professional Tournament Poker Explored

Harrington's Expert Strategies: Volume I on No Limit Tournament Play

Recognized as the top book for strategies in Hold'em

Even though it was published more than ten years ago, the fundamental concepts are incredibly relevant for beginners today.

This classic set the standard for all poker literature that followed and remains a valuable read.

This book is likely the one that has brought me the greatest financial success.

This book is comprehensive, though some chapters might be challenging to grasp. Nevertheless, it stands as the go-to resource for poker mathematics among professionals.

The Mental Game of Poker: Proven Techniques for Enhancing Emotional Control, Confidence, Motivation, and More

It serves as the primary resource for professional players grappling with various emotional and mental challenges that negatively influence their performance.

Gaining insight into how learning, confidence, motivation, and fear intertwine has profoundly impacted my poker career and significantly improved my overall happiness.

The Theory of Poker stands out because the principles discussed can be applied universally, and its chapter on The Fundamental Theorem of Poker is iconic.

Moreover, this book is highly regarded by two players renowned for their success in online poker. I recommend borrowing a well-used copy from a friend.

Negreanu discussed strategies for live tournament Hold'em, Todd Brunson focused on cash games, Erick Lindgren tackled online strategies, Paul Wasicka covered short-handed play, and David Williams contributed insights on game diversity.

Powerful lessons from the game's elite players reveal the deeper intricacies of poker.

Doyle Brunson returns 26 years later with his sequel to Super System, again enlisting the expertise of some of the game’s most renowned players.

Every chapter offers quality insights, with some, like Todd Brunson’s on Stud 8, being particularly outstanding.

I find that I need to revisit this book, likely multiple times.

Harrington on Hold'em, Volume II: The Endgame; Expert Strategy for No Limit Tournaments

To explore this topic thoroughly, we consulted a panel of experienced poker professionals: 56 highly skilled experts from 12 countries, boasting a collective earnings of over $184 million and over 40 prestigious awards. Each expert reviewed a curated list of 129 of the most acclaimed poker books in history and selected up to 10 that they felt were essential, covering everything from mathematical principles to psychological tactics and strategic approaches. Here, we unveil: the definitive list of the top 86 poker books ever published!

Harrington on Hold'em recognized as the most impactful poker book

Jonathan Little Discusses the Craft of Writing Poker Literature

The Key to Crafting an Outstanding Poker Book

Harrington on Hold'em, Volume II: Mastering the Endgame

Advanced Strategies for Seven-Card Stud Players

Advanced Tactics in Tournament Poker

Reflections from Amarillo Slim in a World Dominated by Bigger Players

Secrets from Professional Tournament Play

Harrington on Hold'em, Volume I: Expert Tactics for No-Limit Tournaments

Harrington on Hold'em: Expert tactics for No-Limit Tournaments; Volume I serves as the first of a renowned three-part series that many consider to be the premier collection of poker literature centered around No Limit Hold'em tournament strategies.

A groundbreaking publication at the time, it transformed the landscape of tournament poker.

Super System encompasses strategies for a variety of games, contributed by some of the most prominent players to have ever graced the poker scene. Notable chapters are written by David Sklansky, Chip Reese, and Bobby Baldwin. Amarillo Slim even contributed the introduction.

In the 2007 Aussie Millions Main Event, Gus Hansen decided to approach the tournament with a unique method. Using a dictaphone, he meticulously recorded his thoughts on every important hand he played. This led him to victory and the creation of an engaging book.

Tendler combined insights from coaching elite golfers with his knowledge of coaching professional poker players, creating a deeper understanding of why we lose emotional control and what strategies we can employ to minimize these lapses.

Amazon lists the paperback edition of this title at £1,310.54. But don't worry—shipping is complimentary. It was the first serious poker ebook released and the first to introduce novices to the concept of hand ranges.

No player in the history of live tournament poker has earned more than Daniel Negreanu. In 2008, he chose to reveal his secrets, along with insights from his friends, in a style reminiscent of Super System.

To demonstrate his adaptability, Doyle includes an extensive section on online poker.

Applications Of No-Limit Hold'em by Matthew Janda (2013) is not intended for novices. Instead, it serves as a resource for players already skilled in No-Limit Hold'em seeking to elevate their game. The book is so well-regarded that many refer to it as the definitive poker blueprint. Janda's discussions on equity calculations, hand range structures, and game theory optimal strategies are some of the finest available.

Chris Moorman, the most successful online tournament player ever, with earnings exceeding $13.1 million, analyzes 80 hands played by co-author Byron Jacobs across various stages of online tournaments in this detailed book, conveying the thought processes that have solidified his status as an iconic player.

Designated as the top book on Tournament Strategy.

When I first began my journey in poker, I found the Harrington on Hold'em Series to be incredibly beneficial.

In terms of focusing on the more specialized aspects of my game, this book has had a greater impact on my improvement than any other.

Barry offers readers crucial insights into everything they need to navigate the poker landscape effectively.

Reading this book was a wake-up call for me; despite believing I was a skilled player back then, I realized I had barely scratched the surface of understanding the game.

This is the concluding volume of Dan Harrington's groundbreaking series focused on tournament play in Hold'em. The previous two books equipped players with essential knowledge for succeeding in No Limit Hold'em tournaments, while this volume enables you to apply that theory actively, guiding you through 50 diverse scenarios featuring some of the most elite players globally.

Though my feelings are mixed, I can confidently say this is the most impactful poker book I've ever encountered.

No Limit Hold'em: Theory and Practice.

Biographer Anthony Holden immerses himself in the world of professional poker for an entire year, documenting each facet of the experience. This captivating narrative captures the highs and lows of life on the tournament circuit and is the highest-rated book in its biographical category.