GENERAL POKER BOOKS
There are also a few more general poker books that should be read by any serious poker player.
Mike Caro,Caro’s Fundamental Secrets of
Winning Poker,Cardoza Publishing, 1991
This book is a collection of short guidelines on a variety of poker topics, from picking a game to playing straight draws in Holdem.
Caro is a top-notch poker theorist and analyst, and anything he writes is well worth reading.
It’s short book with a wealth of things to think about.
David Sklansky, The Theory of Poker, Two Plus Two Publishing, 1987
The Theory of Poker is actually the third version of this book.
The initial edition was published by Gambler’s Book club, which was followed by an expanded edition by Prentice-Hall.
The current edition is based primarily on the first edition.
If you can find a copy of the Prentice-Hall version in a second hand bookstore, you should snap it up.
It was coauthored with a professional writer and is much better written than the current version.
This book is a must read. It ’s probably the most important book ever written about poker.
It’s not really about theory as much as it is about tactics and strategic considerations; it covers most of the major strategic considerations of the game and has influenced every poker writer and every serious poker player.
Topics such as semi-bluffing, free cards, inducing mistakes, slow playing ,and playing draws are all covered in this book.
Sklansky uses clear examples from various forms of poker, including Holdem, but also seven card stud, Razz, and other forms of poker. Read this book.
