10 books like Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition

By Alton Hardin,

Here are 10 books that authors have personally recommended if you like Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition. Shepherd is a community of 8,000+ authors sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Reading Poker Tells

By Zachary Elwood,

Book cover of Reading Poker Tells

Jared Tendler Author Of The Mental Game of Poker: Proven Strategies for Improving Tilt Control, Confidence, Motivation, Coping with Variance, and More

From the list on poker that every player needs to read.

Who am I?

I’m a leading expert in how your mental game impacts performance. For over a decade I’ve coached hundreds of poker players, including some of the best players in the world. My clients include numerous bracelet winners at the World Series of Poker, and winners of other major titles. I have a passion for helping players become great, and many of them have climbed the ranks to become among of the best in the world. Whatever you aspire to in poker, whether it’s making some money off your friends or competing in the WSOP, be sure to pick up the books I’ve recommended—they can make a big difference! 

Jared's book list on poker that every player needs to read

Discover why each book is one of Jared's favorite books.

Why did Jared love this book?

Amateur players think tells are the biggest part of poker when in fact they are the most exaggerated aspect of poker strategy and the least important part of the modern game. Tells are, however, still a genuine part of the game and this is a fantastic introduction to them. Amateur players would still be better off working on the fundamentals first but this is an excellent addition to the bookshelf of a more seasoned player.

Reading Poker Tells

By Zachary Elwood,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Reading Poker Tells as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Reading Poker Tells has been called the best book on poker tells by many players, both amateur and professional. The book catalogues many of the most common poker-related behavioral patterns and gives psychological explanations for why these patterns exist. More importantly, the book gives a mental framework for analyzing and remembering poker tells. It also contains tips for deceiving and manipulating opponents, and methods for staying unreadable.

The author's blog and ebook are available at ReadingPokerTells.com.

REVIEWS

"Reading Poker Tells is one of the most helpful poker books I've ever read."                    
            - Andrew Brokos, pro player, author of Thinking Poker…


Modern Poker Theory

By Michael Acevendo,

Book cover of Modern Poker Theory: Building an Unbeatable Strategy Based on GTO Principles

Alton Hardin Author Of Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition: Fundamental No Limit Hold'em Mathematics You Need To Know

From the list on poker every serious poker play should read.

Who am I?

I’m the founder and lead instructor at MicroGrinder Poker School, arguably, the most prominent micro stakes poker school, and I’m fascinated by poker. I started playing poker as a hobby, and it soon became an obsession. I delved into poker theory, seeking to understand the game’s nuances. And as my game improved, I wanted to share my success with others. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, so I started MicroGrinder Poker School. Between my best-selling poker books and 35+ courses, I’ve helped over 80,000 poker players improve their poker game drastically.

Alton's book list on poker every serious poker play should read

Discover why each book is one of Alton's favorite books.

Why did Alton love this book?

Modern Poker Theory is the go-to GTO-based poker book. This is a must-read for poker players playing the toughest games in the world, where their opponents are employing unbeatable strategies and GTO. But be forewarned, this is not a book for novices or beginners—only serious poker players! There’s a reason this book is a perennial bestseller since it was released; it’s that good.

Modern Poker Theory

By Michael Acevendo,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Modern Poker Theory as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Modern Poker Theory is a comprehensive, rigorous guide to the most important aspects of No-Limit Hold'em. It is based around an in-depth examination of what is meant by game theory optimal play (GTO) and how it can be applied at the table. Understanding GTO is fundamental to being able to make accurate poker decisions and being able to exploit players who don't.

Modern Poker Theory uses modern poker tools to develop a systematic approach to the analysis of GTO. It organizes the ideas and concepts in an intuitive manner that is totally focused to practical applications.

Next time you are…


The Endgame

By Dan Harrington, Bill Robertie,

Book cover of The Endgame

Jared Tendler Author Of The Mental Game of Poker: Proven Strategies for Improving Tilt Control, Confidence, Motivation, Coping with Variance, and More

From the list on poker that every player needs to read.

Who am I?

I’m a leading expert in how your mental game impacts performance. For over a decade I’ve coached hundreds of poker players, including some of the best players in the world. My clients include numerous bracelet winners at the World Series of Poker, and winners of other major titles. I have a passion for helping players become great, and many of them have climbed the ranks to become among of the best in the world. Whatever you aspire to in poker, whether it’s making some money off your friends or competing in the WSOP, be sure to pick up the books I’ve recommended—they can make a big difference! 

Jared's book list on poker that every player needs to read

Discover why each book is one of Jared's favorite books.

Why did Jared love this book?

To some, the Harrington series might be outdated but there is still a lot of gold to be gleaned from these pages. Some people think Super System is the classic book of the poker genre, but I would argue this title has influenced more modern online players than any single book available today. There are more up-to-date books to choose from today, but it is still worth a read even now.

The Endgame

By Dan Harrington, Bill Robertie,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Endgame as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Poker has taken America by storm. But it's not just any form of poker that has people across the country so excited it's no-limit hold 'em the main event game. And now, thanks to televised tournaments, tens of thousands of new players are eager to claim their share of poker glory.

In the first volume of this series, Harrington on Hold 'em: Volume I: Strategic Play, Dan Harrington explained how to play in the early phases of tournaments, when most players at the table had plenty of chips, and the blinds and antes were small. This book, Harrington on Hold…


Poker Satellite Strategy

By Dara O’Kearney, Barry Carter,

Book cover of Poker Satellite Strategy: How to qualify for the main events of live and online high stakes poker tournaments

Jared Tendler Author Of The Mental Game of Poker: Proven Strategies for Improving Tilt Control, Confidence, Motivation, Coping with Variance, and More

From the list on poker that every player needs to read.

Who am I?

I’m a leading expert in how your mental game impacts performance. For over a decade I’ve coached hundreds of poker players, including some of the best players in the world. My clients include numerous bracelet winners at the World Series of Poker, and winners of other major titles. I have a passion for helping players become great, and many of them have climbed the ranks to become among of the best in the world. Whatever you aspire to in poker, whether it’s making some money off your friends or competing in the WSOP, be sure to pick up the books I’ve recommended—they can make a big difference! 

Jared's book list on poker that every player needs to read

Discover why each book is one of Jared's favorite books.

Why did Jared love this book?

There are few books that can definitively say they have solved a poker format, but Poker Satellite Strategy really is the only book that ever needed to be written on satellite tournaments. If you want to qualify for a large buy-in tournament for a small amount, this is the book for you. It is also perhaps the best book to cover the tournament concept of ICM (Independent Chip Model) which every MTT grinder needs to understand.

Poker Satellite Strategy

By Dara O’Kearney, Barry Carter,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Poker Satellite Strategy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The best way for small stakes poker players to earn life-changing amounts of money is to win a satellite into a bigger tournament. Yet there is surprisingly little poker theory written about how to win satellite tournaments, until now. In Poker Satellite Strategy professional poker player Dara O’Kearney gives you a framework for how to approach every stage of a satellite tournament, from the early levels right up to the bubble. This book takes the stress and uncertainty out of satellites.

You will learn:

Adjustments you need to make from regular poker tournament strategy What hands to shove, call and…


Book cover of Techniques For Making You A Better Player Today Than You Were Yesterday

Alton Hardin Author Of Master Micro Stakes Poker: Learn to Master Online 6-Max No Limit Hold'em Micro Stakes Cash Games

From the list on poker for beginner and struggling poker players.

Who am I?

I’m the founder and lead instructor at MicroGrinder Poker School, arguably, the most prominent micro stakes poker school, and I’m fascinated by poker. I started playing poker as a hobby, and it soon became an obsession. I delved into poker theory, seeking to understand the game’s nuances. And as my game improved, I wanted to share my success with others. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, so I started MicroGrinder Poker School. Between my best-selling poker books and 35+ courses, I’ve helped over 80,000 poker players improve their poker game drastically.

Alton's book list on poker for beginner and struggling poker players

Discover why each book is one of Alton's favorite books.

Why did Alton love this book?

Most poker books lack a precise and methodical methodology for studying poker—even my books. But at the same time, we all know we need to study to get better. Well, Sky Matsuhashi solved that dilemma with this How to Study Poker book series. He’s phenomenal at showing poker players how to study and learn the game simply and methodically. Whenever one of my students asks for a detailed resource on studying and improving their game, I recommend they read this book.   

Techniques For Making You A Better Player Today Than You Were Yesterday

By Sky Matsuhashi,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Techniques For Making You A Better Player Today Than You Were Yesterday as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Do you feel overwhelmed by all the poker content out there? Are you looking for a system of poker study that will help you master one skill at a time, while keeping you away from poker concept overload?

How To Study Poker is the first of it's kind: a poker book that teaches you how to work out poker strategies for yourself on and off the felt.

Inside you’ll find:
- Proven strategies for building all-important foundational skills into your game
- How to avoid lazy learning and to actively get the most from every piece of poker strategy content…


Book cover of No-Limit Hold 'em For Advanced Players

Alton Hardin Author Of Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition: Fundamental No Limit Hold'em Mathematics You Need To Know

From the list on poker every serious poker play should read.

Who am I?

I’m the founder and lead instructor at MicroGrinder Poker School, arguably, the most prominent micro stakes poker school, and I’m fascinated by poker. I started playing poker as a hobby, and it soon became an obsession. I delved into poker theory, seeking to understand the game’s nuances. And as my game improved, I wanted to share my success with others. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, so I started MicroGrinder Poker School. Between my best-selling poker books and 35+ courses, I’ve helped over 80,000 poker players improve their poker game drastically.

Alton's book list on poker every serious poker play should read

Discover why each book is one of Alton's favorite books.

Why did Alton love this book?

As you move up in stakes, whether that be live or online, you need to start developing an understanding of game theory. Matthew Janda, an excellent theoretical mind in poker, wrote this book for just that reason—to analyze and discuss poker from a game theory perspective using PokerSnowie and PioSOLVER. If you’re just starting out with game theory optimal (GTO) play, this should be one of your first reads.

No-Limit Hold 'em For Advanced Players

By Matthew Janda,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked No-Limit Hold 'em For Advanced Players as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In 2003 poker was put on television and no-limit hold em quickly became the most popular form of poker played in casinos, public cardrooms, and on the Internet. At first, because of the newness of the game to most participants, they could be easily be beaten by players with only a moderate knowledge of sophisticated strategy. But today, this is no longer the case.

Even though no-limit hold em is not, from a Game Theory perspective, a solved game, many ideas and concepts which come from this branch of mathematics now play an important role in a strong, winning no-limit…


Book cover of Building a Bankroll Full Ring Edition

Alton Hardin Author Of Master Micro Stakes Poker: Learn to Master Online 6-Max No Limit Hold'em Micro Stakes Cash Games

From the list on poker for beginner and struggling poker players.

Who am I?

I’m the founder and lead instructor at MicroGrinder Poker School, arguably, the most prominent micro stakes poker school, and I’m fascinated by poker. I started playing poker as a hobby, and it soon became an obsession. I delved into poker theory, seeking to understand the game’s nuances. And as my game improved, I wanted to share my success with others. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, so I started MicroGrinder Poker School. Between my best-selling poker books and 35+ courses, I’ve helped over 80,000 poker players improve their poker game drastically.

Alton's book list on poker for beginner and struggling poker players

Discover why each book is one of Alton's favorite books.

Why did Alton love this book?

This is one of the first poker books I read when I started working on improving my game, and it’s an excellent book to start with. Honestly, I think the name says it all, building a bankroll. The book is structured in a way that covers all the basics without being overwhelming. The author not only covers poker strategies, but also covers important topics like variance and bankroll management that are equally important. While this book doesn’t get that much love in the poker community, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Building a Bankroll Full Ring Edition

By Pawel Nazarewicz,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Building a Bankroll Full Ring Edition as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In January of 2010, while players complained about how difficult online poker had become, Pawel "Verneer" Nazarewicz wanted to demonstrate that, with the right approach, building a bankroll from scratch could still be done at the online tables. So starting at the micro stakes, he worked his way up the poker ladder turning $100 into $10,000 in 120 days. He accomplished the same feat a year later in exactly 100 days. In this book, Pawel shares the building blocks necessary for achieving long-term success at online poker. These teachings focus on seven fundamental concepts: - Accept Variance - Manage Your…


Crushing The Microstakes

By Nathan Williams,

Book cover of Crushing The Microstakes

Alton Hardin Author Of Master Micro Stakes Poker: Learn to Master Online 6-Max No Limit Hold'em Micro Stakes Cash Games

From the list on poker for beginner and struggling poker players.

Who am I?

I’m the founder and lead instructor at MicroGrinder Poker School, arguably, the most prominent micro stakes poker school, and I’m fascinated by poker. I started playing poker as a hobby, and it soon became an obsession. I delved into poker theory, seeking to understand the game’s nuances. And as my game improved, I wanted to share my success with others. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, so I started MicroGrinder Poker School. Between my best-selling poker books and 35+ courses, I’ve helped over 80,000 poker players improve their poker game drastically.

Alton's book list on poker for beginner and struggling poker players

Discover why each book is one of Alton's favorite books.

Why did Alton love this book?

Crushing the Microstakes has been around since 2011, and it’s still highly recommended. This is a no B.S., straight to the point, but also a comprehensive 200+ page micro stakes cash game book. Nathan is one of the biggest winners at the micro stakes, and he shows the strategies he personally uses to beat these games in this book. The book covers just about everything you’d need to know to start beating micro stakes cash games, from player types to post-flop strategy.  

Crushing The Microstakes

By Nathan Williams,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Crushing The Microstakes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


The Biggest Bluff

By Maria Konnikova,

Book cover of The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win

Jonathan Grotenstein Author Of Ship It Holla Ballas! How a Bunch of 19-Year-Old College Dropouts Used the Internet to Become Poker's Loudest, Craziest, and Richest Crew

From the list on high-stakes poker for people who hate math.

Who am I?

As the kid of tournament bridge and Scrabble players, I’ve been hooked on games my whole life. None more so than poker, which has helped me make a living both at the tables and as a writer. I’m currently working on a TV adaptation of Ship It Holla Ballas!  

Jonathan's book list on high-stakes poker for people who hate math

Discover why each book is one of Jonathan's favorite books.

Why did Jonathan love this book?

Yet another magazine writer (this time, The New Yorker) using her advance money to take a shot at poker’s biggest tournament. But Konnikova’s enthusiastic and self-critical approach elevates her memoir into something more transcendent and celebratory than its predecessors. This is a love letter to poker, told with fierce intelligence and emotional honesty. If you want a deeper understanding of the game’s gravitational pull on a certain kind of mind, there’s no better guide.

The Biggest Bluff

By Maria Konnikova,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Biggest Bluff as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A New York Times bestseller * A New York Times Notable Book

"The tale of how Konnikova followed a story about poker players and wound up becoming a story herself will have you riveted, first as you learn about her big winnings, and then as she conveys the lessons she learned both about human nature and herself." -The Washington Post

It's true that Maria Konnikova had never actually played poker before and didn't even know the rules when she approached Erik Seidel, Poker Hall of Fame inductee and winner of tens of millions of dollars in earnings, and convinced him…


Book cover of Stability and Perfection of Nash Equilibria

Guilherme Carmona Author Of Existence And Stability Of Nash Equilibrium

From the list on game theory.

Who am I?

I grew up listening and participating in discussions about politics. These discussions often ended up on Economics – after all, “it’s the economy, stupid!”. Game theory, by being very broad and focused on strategic interactions, served as a very rewarding unifying apparatus for my understanding of Economics. It is also very beautiful and elegant, combining the austere beauty of pure mathematics with insights from elegant literature – I was pleased to cite Graham Green’s Our Man in Havana in a recent paper. It has accompanied me in a 20-year career since my PhD in Economics at the University of Minnesota to my current professorship in Economics at the University of Surrey.

Guilherme's book list on game theory

Discover why each book is one of Guilherme's favorite books.

Why did Guilherme love this book?

An excellent textbook on game theory which is unashamedly advanced: no shortcut is taken, no distractions, no simplifications, rather it goes straight to the point and all the details are there.

It is a great book for researchers to learn the important topics in game theory and its fine details. 

Stability and Perfection of Nash Equilibria

By Eric van Damme,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stability and Perfection of Nash Equilibria as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

I have been pleased with the favourable reception of the first edition of this book and I am grateful to have the opportunity to prepare this second edition. In this revised and enlarged edition I corrected some misprints and errors that occurred in the first edition (fortunately I didn't find too many) and I added a large number of notes that give the reader an impression of what kind of results have been obtained since the first edition was printed and that give an indication of the direction the subject is taking. Many of the notes discuss (or refer to…


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