📚 What are the best poker books you’ve read?

[Pitonealal]

Hi CardChat family!

Lately, I've been thinking that poker is not just a game of hands and a grind, but also an opportunity to learn from existing knowledge. There are lots of books on poker strategy, math, psychology, and thinking, and I think studying them can significantly improve my game.

I've only seen a few articles and short notes so far, but now I want something deeper and more structured. For example:

books that explain poker math 📊

books about emotion control and tilt 😅

or books that share the mindset of higher-level professionals.


So my question is: What good poker books have you read or would you recommend, especially in English or Russian?

I'm wondering which one of them has had the biggest impact on your style of play. Harrington, Sklansky, or maybe some of the more modern writers?

Thanks in advance 🙏 I think this topic can be very useful for all of us who are trying to combine practice with full study.

 

[skaterick]

Harrington's books are wonderful if you want to play old style ABC, very tight poker . thats what i do . however they are now considered hopelessly outdated . 'Modern Poker Theory' by Michael Acevedo is a challenging ,difficult tome , and if you could memorize , and understand, the hundreds of charts and graphs you could probably play as well as any pro !

 

[dompoker]

I've never read a poker book, I think it's a waste of time to read a poker book.

 

[ztibor72]

I learned a lot about body language from the book "Phil Hellmuth Presents Read 'Em and Reap" and was able to use the signals in everyday life.

 

[ninocabral]

I only study through video classes and forums, and Cardchats are two great tools that I still use today for studying and gaining knowledge.

 

[Roller]

“Applications of No-Limit Hold’em” by Matthew Janda – more advanced, but great for understanding ranges and GTO concepts.
“Elements of Poker” by Tommy Angelo – more about mindset and tilt control, which is just as important as strategy.

 

[gardenwall]

Good morning,

so far, I've read these books:
- The Poker Mindset
- Daniel Negreanu's Power Hold'em
- Atomic Habits

All books stand on their own, are easy to understand, and have immense mental value.
I recommend reading them several times and taking notes.

And if you want my opinion...
It does not matter if they modern or old. You will always find different strategies. There is no best way to go. You have to adapt things, that have value for your own game.
There will be at least one small improvement in every book, if you're willing to recognize or find it yourself. I found way more

Good luck,
Natox

 

[Robbie1583]

At some point i did read some pokerbooks , but to be honest , i think it has not that much use .
Poker is not chess .
The only book i found a pleasant read was Zen and the art of poker by Larry W Phillips .

 

[veszmo]

I don't read books. That's just theory. You have to play a lot, that's how you gain experience. Everyone has to adjust the theory to their own luck factor.

 

[OnyxD]

Ryan Fee's book on 6-max cash was great. Was grounbreaking back then, got acquainted with concepts like floating, etc.

 

[MK_]

The Theory of Poker by David Sklanksy, or The Mental Game of Poker by Jared Tendler

are both good places to start on the game of poker, any book that breaks down the math of poker is also good....

really depends on what type of games you play but there are some great books on Omaha or other games too😎👍

 

[Mantinhoo]

I haven’t read it yet. I enjoy books, but I find visual material more effective for learning.