Poker is a popular game that requires strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. For beginners, learning the ins and outs of the game can be overwhelming. That's where beginner poker books come in. These books are designed to teach the basics of the game, from the rules to the different types of hands.
When choosing a beginner poker book, it's important to consider the author's experience and credibility. Look for books written by professional poker players or coaches who have a proven track record of success. Additionally, consider the book's format – some books may be more focused on strategy, while others may include quizzes and exercises to help reinforce learning.
Our team spent hours researching and testing various beginner poker books to identify the ones that are most effective in teaching the basics of the game. We focused on books that are easy to understand, well-organized, and provide practical tips and strategies for players of all skill levels.
Best Beginner Poker Books
We have scoured the internet to bring you the best beginner poker books to help you improve your game. Whether you are a complete novice or looking to brush up on your skills, these books are sure to provide you with the knowledge and strategies you need to become a successful poker player. Our list includes a range of books that cover everything from basic poker rules to advanced strategies and techniques. So without further ado, let's dive into our top picks for the best beginner poker books.
Learning Poker: (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced)
If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to learning poker, this book is worth considering. It covers a wide range of topics, from beginner to advanced strategies.
Pros
- Clear and concise explanations of various poker concepts
- Covers a wide range of topics, including different variations of poker
- Includes example hands and detailed analysis
Cons
- Some readers may find the book too basic if they already have experience playing poker
- Some of the information may be outdated since the publication date is January 15, 2020
- The book is relatively short, with only 198 pages
In this book, you'll find explanations of various poker concepts, including hand rankings, position, and bet sizing. It also covers different variations of poker, such as Texas Hold'em (sponsored link), Omaha, and Stud. The book includes example hands and detailed analysis, which can be helpful for understanding how to apply the concepts in real games.
However, some readers may find the book too basic if they already have experience playing poker. Additionally, since the publication date is January 15, 2020, some of the information may be outdated. Finally, the book is relatively short, with only 198 pages, so it may not cover everything you need to know about poker.
Overall, Learning Poker: (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced) is a solid choice for those looking to learn the basics of poker and improve their game. However, if you're already an experienced player, you may want to look for a more advanced guide.
Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition
We highly recommend Essential Poker Math (sponsored link), Expanded Edition for any beginner poker player who wants to improve their game.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage of essential poker math concepts
- Easy-to-understand explanations with practical examples
- Suitable for both novice and experienced poker players
Cons
- Some advanced concepts may require additional study
- Not focused on strategy or game theory
- Limited discussion of non-Hold'em games
Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their poker math skills. The book covers a wide range of essential concepts, including pot odds, expected value, and equity, with clear and concise explanations that are easy to understand. Each chapter includes practical examples and exercises to help reinforce the concepts.
One of the strengths of this book is its accessibility. The author does an excellent job of breaking down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand terms, making it suitable for both novice and experienced poker players. Additionally, the book is well-organized, with each chapter building on the previous one, making it easy to follow along.
While the book does cover some advanced concepts, such as implied odds and reverse implied odds, some readers may find that additional study is required to fully grasp these concepts. Additionally, the book is primarily focused on Hold'em, so those looking to improve their skills in other poker variants may find the coverage lacking.
Overall, we highly recommend Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition to anyone looking to improve their poker math skills. The book is comprehensive, easy to understand, and suitable for both novice and experienced players.
Modern Poker Theory: Building an unbeatable strategy based on GTO principles
We highly recommend Modern Poker Theory: Building an unbeatable strategy based on GTO principles for anyone looking to take their poker game to the next level. This book provides a comprehensive guide to game theory optimal (GTO) strategy, which is essential for any serious poker player.
Pros
- The book is well-written and easy to understand, even for beginners.
- The author provides plenty of examples to help illustrate key concepts.
- The book covers a wide range of topics, including pre-flop and post-flop play, bet sizing, and hand analysis.
Cons
- The book is quite dense and can be difficult to get through at times.
- The book is focused primarily on no-limit hold'em, so players who primarily play other variants may not find it as useful.
- The book is quite expensive compared to other poker books on the market.
Modern Poker Theory: Building an unbeatable strategy based on GTO principles is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their poker game. The book provides a thorough introduction to GTO strategy, which is essential for anyone looking to compete at the highest levels of the game.
The book is well-written and easy to understand, even for beginners. The author provides plenty of examples to help illustrate key concepts, and the book covers a wide range of topics, including pre-flop and post-flop play, bet sizing, and hand analysis.
That said, the book is quite dense and can be difficult to get through at times. It's also focused primarily on no-limit hold'em, so players who primarily play other variants may not find it as useful. Finally, the book is quite expensive compared to other poker books on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend Modern Poker Theory: Building an unbeatable strategy based on GTO principles to anyone looking to take their poker game to the next level. If you're willing to put in the time and effort to master the concepts presented in this book, you'll be well on your way to becoming a top-tier poker player.
Poker For Dummies
We recommend purchasing Poker For Dummies for those who are new to poker and want to learn the basics.
Pros
- The book explains poker in a simple and easy-to-understand language.
- It covers the basics of poker in a thorough and concise manner.
- The book is an easy read and is essential for anyone who wants to play poker and not feel an inclination to walk in front of a bus.
Cons
- The book is outdated, published in 2000, and some of the information is no longer relevant.
- It is not very useful for players who already know the basic rules of poker.
- The book focuses more on poker groups of 4 players or casino play, so the odds of winning hands are different than those who play poker in larger groups.
Poker For Dummies is a great book for beginners who want to learn the basics of poker. The book is written in a simple and easy-to-understand language, which makes it accessible to anyone. It covers the basics of poker in a thorough and concise manner, making it an essential read for anyone who wants to play poker without feeling overwhelmed.
While the book is a great starting point, it is outdated and some of the information is no longer relevant. Additionally, it is not very useful for players who already know the basic rules of poker. The book focuses more on poker groups of 4 players or casino play, so the odds of winning hands are different than those who play poker in larger groups.
Overall, we recommend Poker For Dummies for beginners who want to learn the basics of poker. However, for more advanced players, there are better options available.
Mastering Poker Math
We highly recommend purchasing Mastering Poker Math if you're a beginner looking to improve your poker skills and knowledge of the game's mathematical aspects.
Pros
- The book provides clear and concise explanations of various probabilities in different no-limit poker situations.
- It's easy to read and understand, making it perfect for beginners.
- The book is well-organized and informative, making it a great reference for players of all skill levels.
Cons
- The writing and organization could be improved.
- The book could go more in-depth on certain topics.
- Some readers may find the book too basic if they already have a strong understanding of poker math.
In Mastering Poker Math, Chuck Clayton provides readers with a thorough understanding of the game's mathematical aspects. The book covers a wide range of topics, including pot odds, implied odds, expected value, and more. The explanations are clear and concise, making it easy for beginners to understand. Additionally, the book is well-organized and informative, making it a great reference for players of all skill levels.
One downside of the book is that the writing and organization could be improved. Some readers may find the book too basic if they already have a strong understanding of poker math. However, for beginners, this book is an excellent resource to help improve their game.
Overall, we highly recommend Mastering Poker Math to anyone looking to improve their poker skills and knowledge of the game's mathematical aspects.
Endgame Poker Strategy: The ICM Book
If you're serious about improving your tournament game, then this book is a must-have for your collection.
Pros
- Provides a comprehensive understanding of ICM and its importance in endgame strategy
- Offers clear and concise explanations of complex concepts
- Written by two of the most respected authors in the poker world
Cons
- Some of the concepts may be difficult for beginners to grasp
- The book is geared towards tournament play, so cash game players may not find it as useful
- The price point may be higher than some other beginner poker books
Endgame Poker Strategy: The ICM Book is a game-changer for any serious tournament player. The authors, Dara O'Kearney and Barry Carter, take a deep dive into the Independent Chip Model (ICM) and how it applies to endgame strategy. The book covers everything from bubble play to final table strategy, and provides a comprehensive understanding of the importance of ICM in these situations.
One of the strengths of this book is the clear and concise explanations of complex concepts. The authors use real-world examples and hand analysis to illustrate their points, making it easy for readers to follow along. Additionally, the book is written in a way that is approachable for both intermediate and advanced players.
While the book is geared towards tournament play, cash game players can still benefit from the concepts presented in the book. However, beginners may find some of the concepts difficult to grasp, so it may not be the best choice for those just starting out.
Overall, Endgame Poker Strategy: The ICM Book is a valuable addition to any serious tournament player's library. The authors' expertise and clear writing style make this book a must-read for anyone looking to improve their endgame strategy.
Play Poker Like the Pros
We recommend purchasing Play Poker Like the Pros because it offers a wealth of knowledge and advice for beginners and experienced players alike.
Pros
- The book provides practical advice and real-life scenarios from a successful poker player.
- It covers Texas Hold'em and 7 card stud, two of the most popular forms of poker.
- It explains the psychology of other types of play, giving readers a well-rounded understanding of the game.
Cons
- The tone of the book is geared towards beginners, so experienced players may not find much new information.
- Some readers may find Phil Hellmuth's ego off-putting.
- The book only covers two types of poker, so readers looking to learn other variations will need to look elsewhere.
In Play Poker Like the Pros, Phil Hellmuth shares his expertise and experience to help readers improve their poker game. The book covers the basics of Texas Hold'em and 7 card stud, as well as the psychology of other types of play. Hellmuth provides practical advice and real-life scenarios, making the book a valuable resource for players of all levels.
One downside of the book is that it is geared towards beginners, so experienced players may not find much new information. Additionally, some readers may find Hellmuth's ego off-putting. Finally, the book only covers two types of poker, so readers looking to learn other variations will need to look elsewhere.
Overall, we recommend Play Poker Like the Pros for anyone looking to improve their poker game, especially beginners. The book provides valuable insights and advice from a successful poker player, and is a great resource for those looking to take their game to the next level.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best beginner poker book, it's important to consider a few key factors to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Here are some features to look out for:
Level of Detail
Consider the level of detail provided in the book. Some books may be too basic and not provide enough information for those looking to improve their game, while others may be too advanced for beginners. Look for a book that strikes a balance between being informative and easy to understand.
Format
The format of the book is also important. Some books may be more text-heavy, while others may have more diagrams and illustrations. Consider what type of learner you are and choose a book that matches your preferred learning style.
Author's Credentials
It's important to consider the author's credentials when choosing a poker book. Look for a book written by an experienced poker player or coach who has a proven track record of success. This will ensure that the information provided is reliable and effective.
Reviews
Reading reviews from other readers is a great way to gauge the quality of a book. Look for books with positive reviews and consider the opinions of other readers who have similar goals or skill levels to you.
By considering these factors, you can find the best beginner poker book to help you improve your game and reach your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top Texas hold 'em strategy books for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend “Harrington on Hold 'em” by Dan Harrington and Bill Robertie, “The Theory of Poker” by David Sklansky, and “Small Stakes Hold 'em” by Ed Miller, David Sklansky, and Mason Malmuth. These books provide a solid foundation for understanding the game and developing basic strategies.
Which are the best poker books for intermediate players?
Intermediate players should consider “Super/System” by Doyle Brunson, “Winning Low-Limit Hold 'em” by Lee Jones, and “The Course” by Ed Miller. These books offer more advanced strategies and insights into the game.
What are the best poker books for cash games?
For cash games, we recommend “Professional No-Limit Hold 'em” by Matt Flynn, Sunny Mehta, and Ed Miller, “The Grinder's Manual” by Peter Clarke, and “Crushing the Microstakes” by Nathan Williams. These books provide practical advice for succeeding in cash games.
What are some recommended books to learn poker?
Aside from the books mentioned above, we also recommend “Every Hand Revealed” by Gus Hansen, “Elements of Poker” by Tommy Angelo, and “The Mental Game of Poker” by Jared Tendler and Barry Carter. These books offer unique perspectives on the game and can help players improve their overall skills.
What type of poker is best for beginners to learn?
Texas hold 'em is the most popular and widely played form of poker, making it a great choice for beginners. It's relatively easy to learn and there are many resources available to help players improve their skills.
What are the top-rated poker game theory books?
For those interested in game theory, we recommend “Applications of No-Limit Hold'em” by Matthew Janda, “Expert Heads Up No-Limit Hold'em” by Will Tipton, and “Modern Poker Theory” by Michael Acevedo. These books delve into the mathematical and strategic aspects of the game and can help players develop a deeper understanding of poker.
