rugby0 said:
You really need to read, The theory of poker, this book is the base for all the rest of the books listed in earlier posts. If you read nothing else read the definitions at the end of the book. The math is not bad and the examples are great. Then buy Harrington,s third and work through the problems.
Do you honestly believe that 'Theory of Poker' would be a good book for a suggested first read? What do you want to do.. .turn the person off of reading poker books for eternity? lol. I do agree that Theory of Poker should be part of a person's book selection,... but I don't think it would be suitable for OP's first read.
I'm surprised by how many here have read Phil Gordon's 'Little Green Book'... but not surprised that those who have read it would also recommend it as the book to read for your first one (and not necessarily because it is super basic or anything... I don't think.... but probably more so due to the ease of reading it (it's an enjoyable read) and because it'd provide OP with a great foundation from which to work from.... hmm.... sounds pretty much ideal for a first book).
Might not be necessary to purchase a book like 'Little Green Book'. It's a great book but probably not the type of book you're going to need to go back and read over 10times (like many other poker books... keeping them around and picking them up from time to time is always beneficial). I've read it a few times but mostly cuz I'm a HUGE POKER BOOK ADDICT!!!
Why not see if your local library has it on the shelves... OR perhaps they'd be able to do an inter-library book loan for you. Personally I've loaned at least a couple of dozen poker books from my local library, later purchasing some that I really liked and new I'd be wanting to keep around. At my local library I'm only able to get books that are copyright 2007 & prior.. but that covers many of them (Phil Gordon's, Harrington's, Sklansky, etc.).
So OP... tell us. What book have you decided to choose for your first read?
