Top 20 Poker Books - Part I

Since there is poker, there are poker books. Some are good and some are pretty bad.
Here you will find the 20 best Poker Books which can be bought along with a small, but good and honest review.

Harrington on Hold'em Volume I: Strategic Play

Written by Dan Harrington, winner of the 1995 WSOP main event. Harrington has so much to say that he had to carry this over to a 2nd book, Volume II. Volume I covers the majority of topics for a No Limit Holdem Tournament player. It focuses on the earlier segments of a tournament. More advanced strategies for the end game can be found in Volume II. Aimed at players with some tournament experience, looking to take their game to a higher level. The writing style is fairly easy to digest. Harrington’s experience clearly shows through on this book. Not only does he fill the book with real live examples and how to play them, but also gives the reasons behind play. This one gives a real insight in to the mind of someone who thinks deeply and carefully about the game. One of the finest books on the subject that any serious player should keep in their library.

Harrington on Hold'em Volume II: The Endgame

While Volume I focused largely on solid play, this book gives insight on how to play the end game, in which deviations from earlier strategies can be made. It also helps in establishing moves from other players, commonly found in higher buy-in events at this stage. Short-handed and heads up are covered exceptionally well. Along with Volume I, this makes a great set for any serious tournament player.

Tournament Poker for Advanced Players by David Sklansky

For players that have a serious interest in tournament poker, this makes a great addition to your collection of material. Sklansky introduces a now well recognized principle he refers to as “The gap concept”. General tournament ideas are covered, including how to adjust your game at different levels of the event, playing with and against short and large stack, deal making, last longer bets, and much more. Although some sections could have been extended with further information, this is certainly a book that should be on your list.

Winning Poker Tournaments One Hand at a Time Volume I

Although there are numerous books out there on poker, there are not many written by primarily online successful poker players. This one comes directly from 3 top online poker players, PearlJammer, Rizen, and Apestyles, who use their own hand histories to explain concepts. The authors have been extremely careful with the hands selected for analysis, all coming from their past online play. This certainly isn’t a book for beginners. If you are looking to get great insight in to playing online mid limit tournaments, this is an amazing addition to your library.

Poker Tournament Tips from the Pros by Shane Smith

From one of the greatest writers, learn the best strategies for different stages of an event and how to avoid 26 potential tournament traps. Also gives 21 top tips for winning poker tournaments.

Arnold Snyder's The Poker Tournament Formula

If you have read Harrington and Sklansky and still need a boost to your tournament game, this may be the addition for you. Synders strategy is predominantly focused on position, unlike Sklansky who puts more focus on your hand. Although low limit event strategies are lacking, this proves to be a very good addition for students of the game.

Arnold Snyder's The Poker Tournament Formula 2

This book focuses on larger events with slower structures, such as the WSOP and the WPT. This is for those who wish to step up their game and enter the world wide tournament circuit and taking a stab at potentially rich rewards. Synder presents some complicated concepts in a very clear understandable manner. This is a good addition for playing looking to play in bigger events. Synder discusses some well accepted principles, as well as challenging and refuting many past strategies with provocative and compelling reasons.

Every Hand Revealed by Gus Hansen

From a player with a reputation of playing any two cards, showing wild play that seems to defy logic. This book shows the clear and logical thought process of his seemingly crazy decisions. You’ll soon learn that if you’re going to describe Gus as crazy, it’s more accurate to consider him “Crazy as a fox”. Hansen takes readers through his 5 day performance during the 2007 Aussie Millions tournament, going on to win $1.2M. The book well discusses his thoughts during key hands and stages through the event. Gus also highlights hands which he believes he may have played incorrectly, and gives the insight to this. It just goes to show even the top pro’s make mistakes. A highly rated read.

Erick Lindgren Reveals His Tournament Secrets

This book is from a well known professional who teaches you from start to finish - starting from trying to win a seat in a satellite, through to playing early stages, mid stages and approaching and reaching the final table. This is a well written book and is a great addition to your collection if you are looking to move your tournament game up a level.

Harrington on Cash Games, Volumes I & II

Straightforward writing style, coupled with real life examples, along with problems to analyze. One of two volumes, both of which are highly recommended. No serious poker player should be left without Harrington in their collection. The majority of examples are taken from a 5-10NL game. If you need to learn from start to finish on cash game, or looking to improve your cash game, you cannot afford to be without this one. A large majority of successful cash players have read this one, so you do not want to be left behind.