Best Online Poker Books to Transform You Into a Pro Player
Playing Online Poker requires a lot of skills, patience and determination. Moreover, the game involves a lot of risks, especially for those playing Online Poker for the first time. Nonetheless, there are certain books that will help beginners master Online Poker games. Some of the books emphasise the mathematics of poker, methods, psychological and mental aspects of the game, poker software and even lifestyle advice from poker experts that the players can read in order to improve their game.
Poker is one of the most popular games not just in India but across the world. The game has a variety of formats, so there is something for everyone. Reading poker books will help the beginners as well as why experienced players should invest their time in reading the books from time to time. Here we got you some of the best poker books every poker player has to read.
Elements of Poker by Tommy Angelo
Tommy Angelo is a well-known author, coach, and poker player, who has written extensively about the game of poker. His book Elements of Poker is one of the most popular books on poker games and is often considered a timeless classic. There are several key elements that have been identified by Tommy Angelo which may help the players be successful in Poker:
- Position is one of the most elements that may play a role in players’ fate in the poker game. This refers to where you are sitting at the table relative to the dealer button. For example, if you are in the last position then you can see what everyone else has done before you make a move. This will help in making better decisions about whether to bet, call or fold.
- Hand Reading is one of the most important skills one needs to have while playing poker game. It is the process of trying to figure out what cards your opponents have based on the actions they take. Hand Reading involves paying close attention to the bets they make and how they react to the cards that they have dealt.
- Bankroll management is another important factor that every poker player should know. This refers to practicing managing poker funds that help minimize the risk of getting ruined. This involves keeping aside a certain amount of money for poker and then using it at stakes that you can afford.
- Bluffing is one of the most important tools in the poker game, but at times it is risky as well. It is a strategy wherein a player raises a weaker hand in order to try to get the opponent to fold a stronger hand. Good bluffing requires a deep understanding of the opposition’s tendencies.
- Tilt is a state of mind where a player becomes overly emotional and starts making bad bets while playing Poker. This could variety of reasons including frustration with the losing streak or repeatedly making bad bets. Tilt can be very detrimental to your poker game, as it can cause you to make poor decisions and lose more money.
Jared Tendler's The Mental Game of Poker
Jared Tendler is a well-known mental game coach and author. His book - The Mental Game of Poker is one of the most popular books that focus on the mental and psychological aspects of the players playing Poker. The main objective of the book is to help the players to overcome the psychological hurdles that have often prevented them from playing to the best of their ability. The book also highlights the important aspects, such as focusing on the process of playing Poker rather than worrying about the outcomes as well as the need to develop a strong mental game in order to succeed in the long term.
In The Mental Game of Poker, Jared Tendler discusses common mental blocks that refrain the players from progressing, such as fear, tilt and motivation, and provides a practical solution to overcome them. The book covers various topics such as developing a pre-game routine, dealing with setbacks and losses, understanding the tilt, building confidence and managing expectations. Overall, Tendler’s book is a valuable resource for players who are looking to enhance their mental game and improve their performances on the table.
Dan Harrington's thoughts on Texas Hold'em
Dan Harrington is one of the most famous professional poker players. He is a World Tour Poker champion and a member of the Poker Hall of Fame. Harrington is also an author and is well-known for his expertise in Texas Hold’em. In his book ‘Harrington on Hold’em, Daniel Harrington provides a comprehensive guide to the game and offers various aspects of it. Harrington is of the opinion that Texas Hold’em is a game of skill and the best players are those who could profitable decisions for the long term period. He also highlights the significance of position, hand reading and starting hand selection.
In his book, Dan Harrington has stressed the importance and value of playing aggressively when the situation arises and understanding the different stages of the tournament and how to adjust your play accordingly. Overall, Harrington's thoughts on Texas Hold’em emphasize the importance of taking the strategic decision, discipline, and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and psychology. By mastering these elements, players can improve their Poker game and become true experts.
Expanded Edition of Alton Hardin's Essential Poker Math
Alton Hardin is one of the famous authors of the Poker game. He is the author of the book - Essential Poker Math. This book is a comprehensive guide to the mathematical concepts and calculations that are important for success in Poker or Online Poker. Hardin’s book has covered a wide range of topics such as probability, pot odds, expected value, hand equity and the importance of table position. One of the key concepts that are covered in this book is the idea of expected value. Expected Value is a calculation used to decide the average money a player can expect to win or lose over time.
Another important topic that is covered in Essential Poker Math is Pot Odds. Pot Odds is a calculation used to determine whether it is a profitable call to make a bet on the basis of the size of the pot as well as the bet. By understanding the Pot Odds, players can make a decision whether to raise, bet or fold. Overall, Alton Hardin’s book is a valuable resource for players aiming to improve their understanding of mathematical concepts that underpin the game of poker.
Ace on the River by Barry Greenstein
Barry Greenstein is one of the most professional poker players in the world. He is the three-time champion of World Series Poker and won two titles at World Poker Tour. Apart from being a professional poker player, Greenstein is the author and wrote a well-known book ‘Ace on the River’. This book is not just a strategy guide but rather a collection of his anecdotes, insights and advice from Greenstein's experiences in the poker world. Ace on the River has covered a wide range of topics including bankroll management, table selection and the psychological aspects of the game.
In his book, Barry Greenstein shares his personal journey from being a cash game player in his early days to becoming a tournament pro. Throughout the book, Greenstein highlights the importance of ethics and responsibility in the Poker game. He encourages readers to play the game with a long-term perspective or approach. Overall, Ace on the River offers a unique perspective on the world of poker and provides deep insights for both beginners and experienced players.
The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky
David Sklansky is one of the most popular professional poker players in the world. He is an early writer on Poker strategy, and he is known for his mathematical approach to the game. Thus, he is nicknamed ‘Mathematician’. He is the author of a well-known book ‘The Theory of Poker’. It is often considered a timeless classic in the world of poker strategy and has been highly influential since its publication in 1987. The book has focused on the fundamental concepts of poker, such as pot odds, expected value and bluffing. David Sklansky has introduced the readers to the concept of the ‘fundamental theorem of poker’.
In his book, Sklansky has also emphasised the importance of understanding and analyzing the opponents’ playing style and making strategic changes accordingly. The Theory of Poker covers a wide variety of topics such as the basics of starting hands to more advanced concepts like game theory and the psychology of poker. Overall, this book is a comprehensive guide to understanding and enhancing the poker game.