Few games are captured more effectively by the written word than poker. Whether it’s tall tales of high stakes games, the memoirs of colorful characters, or simply hand-by-hand strategies for winning, everyone loves a good poker-read.
Here are five of the books that should be in every poker lover’s collection:
1. Super/System I & Super/System II (Doyle Brunson). Mixing unforgettable stories of a life in poker with top strategies for winning, these giant volumes remain popular decades after they were released. Brunson is a master at simplifying complicated concepts and breaking down “trade secrets” so that everyone can use them in their own game.
2. The Biggest Game in Town (A. Alvarez). Before the World Series of Poker was a television event, this author took his own money and slightly above-average poker skills and put them up against the best in the world at the then little-known WSOP. Alvarez’s stories of the great players in attendance, the character that was Benny Binion, and his own blow-by-blow account of his play all make this book unforgettable.
3. Poker Essays (Mason Malmuth) This collection of short, easy-to-read essays cover every facet of the game: from mid-hand strategies to bankroll management. What makes it special is the way each story is delivered, using an anecdotal style that transports the reader to the smoky card room where the game in question likely went down.
4. One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stuey “The Kid” Ungar, The World’s Greatest Poker Player (Nolan Dalla) There will never be another poker player like Stu Ungar. A true mathematical genius, Ungar was a troubled prodigy who lost as many battles with addiction as he did win tournaments. This is the story of a once-in-a-lifetime talent, that is also a cautionary tale about the nature of addiction and self-destructive behavior.
5. Phil Gordon’s Little Black Book (Phil Gordon) Few books combine poker strategies with a hard look at what it takes to “live the life” of a professional card player better than the Little Black Book. Gordon helps the aspiring player prepare for the rigors of the game, not only in terms of probabilities, but psychologically as well. (Also see the author’s Little Green Book and Little Red Book for more invaluable tips from the felt.).
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1 comment:
Great book recommendations. I specifically like Phil Gorden's books. He is a talented teacher.
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