Top 10 Best Books About Poker
Poker is more than just a card game. It’s a contest of psychology, mathematics, and discipline. Over the decades, some of the greatest players and strategists have put their insights into books that continue to shape today's game. From foundational strategy guides to deep dives into game theory, poker literature has helped millions of players improve their skills, control their emotions, and approach the game professionally.
Why Read Poker Books?
Poker is unique among casino games because it combines luck with skill. While the cards dealt are random, how you play them makes all the difference. Poker books can help you:
· Learn hand rankings and probabilities.
· Understand bluffing and how to read opponents.
· Explore advanced concepts like Game Theory Optimal (GTO) play.
· Improve bankroll management and discipline.
· Strengthen your mental game and emotional control.
DAVID SKLANSKY, DAN HARRINGTON, DOYLE BRUNSON & MIKE CARO
1. The Theory of Poker
By David Sklansky
· The Theory of Poker is considered one of the most important strategy books ever written, and David Sklansky presents the material with a clear, analytical style that has shaped how serious players think about the game. He explains core concepts such as expected value, pot odds, bluffing, implied odds and the fundamental theorem of poker in a way that helps readers understand why winning decisions work rather than simply memorising moves. The book covers a wide range of poker variants, but the lessons apply to all forms of modern play, making it valuable for both beginners and advanced players. Sklansky’s examples show how small strategic adjustments can make a big difference in long term results, giving readers insight into decision making at a deeper level. His tone is calm, precise and easy to follow, even when he is discussing more technical ideas.
Readers who enjoy thinking logically and improving their strategic reasoning will find the content especially rewarding. The book also helps players recognise common mistakes and understand why emotional or instinct driven choices rarely lead to consistent wins. It works well as both an introduction to advanced poker theory and a reference that can be revisited as skills improve. The clarity of the explanations gives players a strong foundation that transfers directly to real table situations. For anyone who wants to understand poker on a structural, mathematical and strategic level, The Theory of Poker remains one of the most insightful and valuable guides available.
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2. Harrington on Hold ’Em
By Dan Harrington
· Harrington on Hold ’Em is widely regarded as one of the best tournament poker guides ever written, and Dan Harrington explains his strategies with a clear, methodical style that appeals to both new and experienced players. He breaks down hand selection, position, stack size management and opponent profiling in a way that helps readers understand not just what to do, but why each decision matters in a tournament setting. The book’s structured approach to betting patterns and pressure points gives players a strong foundation for navigating early, middle and late stages with confidence. Harrington’s famous zone system offers practical guidance on risk, aggression and survival, making the material especially useful for multi table tournaments. Real hand examples show how his ideas apply in real world situations, giving readers insight into the thinking of a world class champion. The tone remains calm, logical and easy to follow, which helps newer players absorb advanced concepts without feeling overwhelmed.
Readers who enjoy strategic depth will appreciate the mix of theory, practice and clean reasoning. The book also teaches discipline and patience, two traits that play a major role in long term tournament success. It works well as both a full study guide and a reference that can be revisited between sessions. For anyone looking to improve their No Limit Hold ’Em tournament results, Harrington on Hold ’Em remains one of the most reliable, insightful and highly recommended resources available.
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3. Super System
By Doyle Brunson
· Super System is one of the most influential poker books ever published, and Doyle Brunson presents the material with the authority and confidence of a true legend. The book covers multiple forms of poker, with each section written by top experts of the era, giving readers a wide ranging look at strategies that shaped modern play. Brunson’s No Limit Hold ’Em chapter is especially well known, offering a bold, aggressive style that opened players’ eyes to a new way of thinking about pressure, position and table control. The step by step examples show how elite players approach each decision, and the reasoning stays clear and practical even when the ideas are advanced. Readers also gain insight into bankroll discipline, reading opponents and managing the emotional side of long sessions. The tone is direct, energetic and confident, making the book engaging from start to finish. While some specific tactics have evolved over time, the core principles remain highly valuable for players who want a stronger understanding of poker fundamentals. The variety of expert voices adds depth and helps readers appreciate how different styles can all be successful with the right mindset.
It works well for both beginners seeking inspiration and experienced players looking to sharpen their thinking. For anyone interested in poker history, strategy and the mindset of champions, Super System remains a classic and essential read.
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4. Caro’s Book of Poker Tells
By Mike Caro
· Caro’s Book of Poker Tells is one of the most influential works on live poker behaviour, and Mike Caro presents his insights with a clear, engaging style that makes the subject easy to understand. He explains how body language, betting patterns and subtle mannerisms can reveal information about an opponent’s hand strength, giving readers a practical way to make stronger decisions at the table. Caro uses photographs, examples and simple explanations to show how common tells appear in real situations, making the material accessible even for players who are new to live poker. His breakdown of acting strong versus acting weak is especially useful, providing a foundation that many players still rely on today. The tone throughout the book is friendly, direct and confident, which helps readers absorb the ideas without feeling overwhelmed. Caro also highlights which tells are reliable and which should be treated with caution, adding realistic guidance that prevents players from jumping to conclusions. The examples feel practical and often entertaining, giving the book real world value as well as personality.
Readers who enjoy the psychological side of poker will find the content especially rewarding. It works well for both cash game players and tournament players who want to sharpen their observational skills. For anyone interested in reading opponents more effectively and understanding the human side of poker, Caro’s Book of Poker Tells remains a classic and highly valuable resource.
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GUS HANSEN, TOMMY ANGELO & JARED TENDLER
5. Every Hand Revealed
By Gus Hansen
· Every Hand Revealed offers a rare and fascinating look inside the mind of a top level poker professional, and Gus Hansen presents his journey through the 2007 Aussie Millions with a sharp, energetic style that keeps readers fully engaged. He records and explains every hand he played during the tournament, giving readers an unusually detailed view of decision making, aggression, table dynamics and the logic behind each move. Hansen’s fearless playing style comes through clearly as he discusses unconventional lines, pressure plays and exploitative adjustments based on specific opponents. The book also highlights the importance of position, stack size and timing, all explained in a way that helps readers understand how advanced players think during deep tournament runs. Hansen’s tone is honest and straightforward, often sharing his own doubts, mistakes and adjustments, which makes the guide both relatable and educational. The hand by hand format gives readers a strong sense of flow and structure, making it easier to follow the progression of a real tournament. His strategic insights give players practical ideas on how to apply pressure, defend blinds and balance ranges in dynamic situations. Readers who enjoy fast paced thinking and real world examples will find the content especially rewarding.
It is a great choice for players who want to see how elite strategy works in practice rather than theory alone. For anyone interested in tournament poker, high level decision making and the mindset of an accomplished pro, Every Hand Revealed is an insightful and highly entertaining read.
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6. Elements of Poker
By Tommy Angelo
· Elements of Poker is one of the most unique and insightful poker books ever written, and Tommy Angelo presents his ideas with a calm, witty and thoughtful style that makes the lessons easy to absorb. Instead of focusing solely on strategy charts or technical ranges, Angelo dives into the mental and emotional skills that separate winning players from the rest of the field. He explains concepts such as tilt control, emotional discipline, table awareness and the importance of making clear, consistent decisions in a way that feels practical and relatable. The stories and analogies he uses help bring the ideas to life, making the book enjoyable for both casual players and serious students of the game. Angelo’s tone is warm and reflective, offering readers a sense of learning from a wise coach who has seen every situation at the tables. His guidance on improving your environment, managing distractions and creating better habits has long term value that extends beyond poker. Readers also benefit from his emphasis on mindfulness and balance, which helps players stay focused and steady during long sessions. The book is well organised and easy to revisit, with each short chapter delivering a clear takeaway.
It works well for anyone looking to strengthen their mindset, reduce costly mistakes and improve overall consistency. For players seeking a deeper, more holistic understanding of poker, Elements of Poker remains a thoughtful, memorable and highly rewarding read.
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7. The Mental Game of Poker
By Jared Tendler
· The Mental Game of Poker is one of the most influential books on poker psychology, and Jared Tendler presents his methods with a clear, structured style that helps players understand and overcome the mental barriers that affect their results. He explains tilt, fear, overconfidence, motivation issues and decision fatigue in a way that feels practical and immediately relevant to real table situations. Tendler uses simple models and real player examples to show how emotional patterns form and how they can be corrected through targeted mental training. His step by step approach helps readers build stronger focus, improve emotional control and develop more consistent thinking during long sessions. The tone is calm, supportive and direct, making the book accessible even for players who have never worked on the mental side of the game before. Tendler also offers tools for identifying personal leaks, setting goals and building routines that support long term improvement.
Readers who enjoy self development and want to sharpen their competitive mindset will find the content especially valuable. The lessons apply equally well to cash games and tournaments, making the book versatile for players of all styles and experience levels. It is a guide that can be revisited repeatedly as skills and self awareness grow. For anyone looking to strengthen discipline, reduce emotional mistakes and build a more resilient poker mindset, The Mental Game of Poker remains one of the most important and effective resources available.
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LEE NELSON & TYSEN STREIB, OWEN GAINES & MATTHEW JANDA
8. Kill Everyone
By Lee Nelson & Tysen Streib
· Kill Everyone is a highly regarded tournament poker guide, and Lee Nelson and Tysen Streib present their strategies with a clear, analytical style that appeals to players who want a deeper understanding of modern No Limit Hold ’Em. The book explains hand ranges, aggression, table pressure and reshove theory in a way that helps readers make sharper decisions in high leverage spots. Nelson and Streib also introduce mathematical models and push fold charts that give practical structure to short stack and late stage play. Their examples show how elite players interpret ranges, adjust to opponents and use position to create profitable situations. The tone remains direct and easy to follow, making advanced concepts accessible without oversimplifying them. The authors also explore final table dynamics, bubble play and independent chip model thinking, adding depth that serious tournament players will appreciate. Real hand breakdowns help readers see how strategy changes as stack sizes shift and blinds increase. The content encourages disciplined, aggressive play and gives readers the tools to understand when controlled risk leads to strong long term results.
It is a helpful guide for anyone looking to compete more effectively in multi table tournaments, both live and online. For players seeking a structured, modern and confidence boosting approach to tournament strategy, Kill Everyone remains a powerful and insightful read.
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9. Poker Math That Matters
By Owen Gaines
· Poker Math That Matters is a clear and practical guide to understanding the numbers behind poker, and Owen Gaines presents the material with a friendly, straightforward style that makes math feel accessible. He explains pot odds, equity, range thinking and expected value in a way that helps players make more confident decisions at the table. Gaines uses simple examples and clean reasoning to show how mathematical choices directly affect long term results, making the concepts easy to apply in real situations. The book is especially helpful for players who struggle with the idea of combining intuition with structured calculation. His tone is calm and encouraging, giving readers a sense that poker math can be learned step by step without stress. The exercises and practice problems offer a hands on way to improve decision making, which many readers will find useful. Gaines also highlights common mistakes and shows how to avoid traps that lead to poor calls or missed opportunities.
The guide works well for beginners who want to build a solid foundation as well as for intermediate players who want to sharpen their strategic thinking. It is a practical resource that can be revisited whenever you need to refresh core ideas. For anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of poker math in a clear and approachable way, Poker Math That Matters remains a valuable and confidence building read.
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10. Applications of No-Limit Hold ’Em
By Matthew Janda
· Applications of No-Limit Hold ’Em is one of the most respected modern strategy books in poker, and Matthew Janda presents his ideas with a clear, methodical style that appeals to players who want a deeper, theory driven approach. He explains range construction, balance, bet sizing and solver inspired decision making in a way that helps readers understand the underlying logic of strong, mathematically sound play. Janda breaks down complex concepts into manageable steps, showing how to build ranges for every street and how to think about aggression, protection and value in a structured way. His examples highlight both common situations and tougher spots, giving readers insight into how advanced players navigate difficult decisions. The tone stays calm, analytical and consistent, making the material easier to follow even when the ideas grow more technical.
Readers who enjoy studying theory and improving their long term fundamentals will find the content especially rewarding. Janda also explains how to avoid population driven leaks and why balanced ranges make players harder to exploit. The book works well as both a deep study tool and a reference guide that can be revisited as your game evolves. Its focus on solid reasoning rather than shortcuts gives it lasting value in an ever changing poker environment. For players who want a serious, thoughtful and mathematically grounded upgrade to their No Limit Hold ’Em strategy, Applications of No-Limit Hold ’Em remains one of the strongest resources available.
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Bonus Selection
Winning Low Limit Hold’em
by Lee Jones
· Winning Low Limit Hold’em is one of the most approachable and practical guides for players entering fixed limit games, and Lee Jones presents his advice with a warm, easy to follow style that builds confidence quickly. He explains starting hand selection, position, pot odds and fundamental decision making in a way that helps beginners avoid the most common and costly mistakes seen at low limit tables. Jones focuses on clear, straightforward strategy rather than complex theory, which makes the material perfect for players who want results without feeling overwhelmed. Real hand examples show how to apply his guidance in live games, giving readers a strong sense of how profitable decisions develop from street to street. His emphasis on tight, disciplined play helps readers understand both how to protect their bankroll and how to take advantage of loose, passive opponents often found in low limit environments. The tone is friendly, patient and reassuring, which makes the guide enjoyable to read from start to finish. Jones also highlights key mental habits, such as avoiding tilt and remaining focused during long sessions, which add long term value. The book is structured in a way that suits repeated study, making it a helpful reference as skills improve.
It is well suited to new players as well as casual players who want to turn small leaks into steady improvement. For anyone looking for a clear, reliable and confidence boosting approach to fixed limit poker, Winning Low Limit Hold’em remains a trusted and highly recommended guide.
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BEGINNER VS ADVANCED POKER BOOKS, WHAT POKER BOOKS TEACH BEYOND STRATEGY & THE OVERVIEW
Beginner vs Advanced Poker Books
Different poker books suit various levels of experience:
· Beginners: Start with “Poker Math That Matters” or “Caro’s Book of Poker Tells” for accessible lessons.
· Intermediate: Read Harrington on “Hold’Em” or “Every Hand Revealed” to develop practical strategies.
· Advanced: Dive into “The Theory of Poker”or “Applications of No-Limit Hold ’Em” for deep theoretical insights.
What Poker Books Teach Beyond Strategy
Poker books aren’t just about odds and hands; they teach discipline, bankroll management, and emotional control. They help players develop the mindset of a professional, which is just as important as knowing the maths. These lessons are invaluable whether playing in a local UK casino or an online poker tournament.
Overview
Poker literature is rich, varied, and endlessly valuable. From Sklansky’s timeless theories to Tendler’s mental game coaching, these books cover every aspect of what it takes to succeed at the tables. Studying them won’t make you a world champion overnight, but it will make you a smarter, more disciplined player.
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