The best poker books – Poker is the quintessential game of skill and strategy. This casino card game is peppered with fascinating nuances, many of which are only evident only after years of playing the game. Novices routinely seek the opinions of professional poker players, directly or indirectly. Poker, like other strategy-based games is predicated on an in-depth understanding of the rules and systems of play, the psychology underpinning player conduct, and a player’s ability to effectively manage a bankroll. Poker is also a social game; players must be able to pick up on social cues, shoot the breeze with fellow players, and pull off monster bluffs every now and then. There is no truer test of player’s abilities than sitting at the final table of an MTT, as a showdown ensues.
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Getting there requires knowledge. Astute poker players, like sponges, soak up knowledge everywhere they can. Pearls of wisdom abound everywhere; luckily, players don’t have to look too far for the best poker books of the year. Poker aficionados are a rare breed, and there is a common denominator among the world’s premier poker players. They have an insatiable appetite for knowledge, learning, and the application thereof. They are continually tweaking their game, implementing novel tactics and strategies, tried and trusted techniques, and specialized game play to fine tune their craft. It takes years to rise through the ranks and become a poker demigod. The likes of Daniel Negreanu, Mike Sexton, Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, David Sklanksy, Barry Greenstein, Chris Moorman, Dan Harrington, and Tri Nguyen rank among the elite of the poker world. They are the veritable powerhouse of poker royalty. More importantly, they have shared their in-depth knowledge, understanding, and insights into the game of poker with countless millions of fans through their instructive poker books.
In this post, we will explore the best poker books that you can’t afford to miss in 2020. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the listing!
· Power Hold’em Strategy by Daniel Negreanu
Daniel Negreanu is a Canadian poker ace, born in Toronto, Ontario, and currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has generated total live earnings of $42,053,305, with a best live cash of $8,288,001. He ranks at #3 on the all-time money list, making him one of the most influential voices in the poker arena. Negreanu has placed first more times than most, scooping up millions and millions of dollars in prizes at world-class events. There is no poker game he can’t master, no challenge too great, and no contest he shies away from. Some of the many tournaments that he has won include:
- $10,000 NLH Championship Poker at the Plaza, Las Vegas – $310,000 (June 2004)
- $10,000 + 300 NLH Final Day – WPT Borgata Poker Open Atlantic City – $1,117,400 (September 2004)
- $15,000 + 300 World Poker Tour Championship NLH – $1,770,218 (December 2004)
- $10,000 Championship Event – NLH – WSOP Circuit Tunica, Robinsonville – $755,525 (January 2006)
- AU$10,000 NLH – WSOP APAC – AU$1,038,825 (April 2013)
And dozens more BIG WINS…
‘Power Hold’em Strategy’ by Daniel Negreanu is clearly written by masters of the game. These guys know their stuff. This book was released in 2008, to rapturous applause from audiences the world over. In this book, Negreanu goes into detail about the tactics, strategies, and playing styles he has implemented throughout his career. One such system is the Super System. He discusses his Small Ball strategy which is remarkably enlightening, to say the least. Professional poker players lauded this book for its fascinating insights into the game. This general strategy poker book is a Top 10 favorite on anybody’s list. It is easy to read, comprehensive, and laden with winning poker tips. Not to be missed…
Power Hold’em Strategy was released in June 2008, and has a rating of 4.4/5 from 194+ reviewers on Amazon. It’s available in Kindle, or Paperback, new, or used. From cover to cover, the book is a fascinating read, and at 504 pages long, it’s got just enough information to keep you invested in the action from inception to the closing pages. While the book delves into the game play of many poker players, the section about Daniel Negreanu is perhaps the most exciting and enlightening. It’s ideal for tournament-style poker players, and not ideally suited to cash games. From a technical perspective, readers have praised the book. Whether a beginner, or a seasoned pro, there are many insights to be gained from Power Hold’em Strategy.
Super System – ‘A Course in Power Poker’ – By Doyle Brunson
Doyle Brunson is a blast from the past. The Texas Dolly is one of the founding fathers of poker in the modern age. He got the game going, along with guys like Amarillo Slim. The Hendon Mob lists Doyle Brunson’s total live earnings as $6,176,737, with a best live cash of $1,198,260. Although he ranks relatively low on the all-time money list at #195, he has had a #1 ranking on the all-time money list best rank. Doyle Brunson’s best years were in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. Back then, prize money for the World Series of Poker (WSOP) was not nearly as much as it is today. Nonetheless, Brunson racked up many big wins in his career:
- $10,000 NLH World Championship – 7th WSOP – $220,000 (May 1976)
- $10,000 NLH World Championship – 8th WSOP – $340,000 (May 1977)
- $5000 + 150 NLH Championship Final Day – WPT – $1,198,260 (August 2004)
- $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. 37th WSOP – $274,560 (June 2006)
- $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. 39th WSOP – $124,320 (June 2008)
His winnings from the 70s and 80s would make him worth 3 to 4 times more by today’s standards, so Doyle Brunson is certainly a power player in the poker world. He has written several books throughout his illustrious career, and ‘Super System – A Course in Power Poker’ ranks among the best of them. Super System written by Doyle ‘Texas Dolly’ Brunson has garnered a fantastic rating of 4.5/5 from 362 ratings on Amazon. It is available in paperback, or hardcover, and is 605 pages long.
Published by Cardoza Publishing, third edition (2002) this book has been deemed the Bible of Poker, and for good reason. It offers comprehensive coverage of all aspects of poker, including all the games, all the formats, and all the systems. A theoretical compilation, with strong practical applications, Super System is a must-read for every aspiring poker player. In the book, there are chapters on Texas Hold’em. The Limit Hold’em chapter was written by a player named Bobby Baldwin, and the NLH chapter was written by Doyle Brunson; definitely worth the read. His insights into the game are the premier reason why Brunson is considered poker royalty.
There are dozens of poker books that rank among the creme de la creme for 2020, but few compare to these two titles by the legendary Daniel Negreanu and the larger-than-life Doyle Brunson. These poker players are true legends of the game, and their insights into poker strategy will make you a far superior player than most.
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