For a long time, most poker players played by the seat of their pants, and usually paid handsomely for lessons at the table. However, with the publication of many good books, there is no reason for a player to pay so dearly. You can invest $20 or $30 on a good book and recoup that investment in just a few hours at the table by not making rookie mistakes. There's also some great poker software on the Internet as well.
Limit Hold 'em Cash Games
Winning Low Limit Hold'em by Lee Jones - Probably the best primer for Hold 'em players who are already comfortable with the basics of poker.
Hold'em Excellence by Lou Krieger - Another good introductory Hold'em book by a well-known author.
Hold'em Poker for Advanced Players by David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth - Read this book after reading one of the first two, as it is a bit more complex and requires that you have a solid understanding of Hold 'em fundamentals.
No-Limit Cash Games
Pot-Limit and No-Limit Poker by Bob Ciaffone and Stewart Reuben - This is one of the few books that has a meaningful discussion of big-bet cash games.
Super System by Doyle Brunson - Considered the granddaddy of all poker books. It's somewhat outdated now, but is absolute must reading for any poker player. A revised edition is expected late in 2004.
No-Limit Hold'em Tournaments
No-Limit Texas Hold'em by Brad Daugherty and Tom McEvoy - This is a new book that will help improve your chances in no-limit Hold'em tournaments.
Championship Tournament Poker by Tom McEvoy - Probably McEvoy's best known book, and well worth reading.
Championship Satellite Strategy by Tom McEvoy and Brad Daugherty - With satellites becoming wildly popular, this book is helpful if you want to win a seat in a big event like the World Series of Poker. It will also give you some good ideas about cashing in "sit and go" one-table tournaments.
Tournament Poker for Advanced Players by David Sklansky - This book is somewhat more difficult to read, but contains some important concepts, including a "system" for winning No-Limit Hold'em tournaments.
Fireside Reading
Positively Fifth Street by James McManus - An incredible story of a writer who makes the final table at the World Series of Poker while he is covering a sensational murder trial in Las Vegas involving the family that owned Binion's Horseshoe.
The Biggest Game in Town by Al Alvarez - Arguably the best-written book solely about poker. No strategy or tactics discussion, but a wonderful read.
Big Deal by Anthony Holden - Holden took a year off from his life as a writer and journalist to be a professional poker player. His lived the dream of many poker players and recounts his experiences here.
Poker Books
