90 books like The Grinder's Manual

By Peter Clarke,

Here are 90 books that The Grinder's Manual fans have personally recommended if you like The Grinder's Manual. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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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 my list on poker every serious poker play should read.

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Alton Hardin 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.

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…


Book cover of Dynamic Full Ring Poker: Beyond The Basics

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

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

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Alton Hardin Why did Alton love this book?

James Splitsuit Sweeney is a household name for serious poker players and a prolific poker author. His first book, Dynamic Full Ring Poker is a must-read. This book goes into great depth, covering all of the fundamental concepts any serious poker player should master, discussing essential pre-flop and post-flop strategies and scenarios in detail.

By James Sweeney,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

More than anything else, the hallmark of a great poker player is his ability to read hands and to adapt his play accordingly.

From Dynamic Full Ring Poker, YOU WILL LEARN:

• How to hand read better by following CardRunners coach James “SplitSuit” Sweeney’s hand reading tactics

• How to estimate your opponents’ hand ranges

• How to exploit your opponents and their likely holdings

• How to profitably c-bet, lead, raise, float, double-barrel, check-raise

• How to profile your opponent in a few seconds

• How to calculate the expected value of your play

• How to correctly 3-bet…


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 my list on poker every serious poker play should read.

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Alton Hardin 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.

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 The Mental Game of Poker 2: Proven Strategies For Improving Poker Skill, Increasing Mental Endurance, and Playing In The Zone Consistently

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

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

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Alton Hardin Why did Alton love this book?

If you’re a serious poker player, I’m assuming you’ve already read The Mental Game of Poker. If you haven’t, definitely read it. And if you have, it’s time to read The Mental Game of Poker 2. Jared Tendler’s books are the go-to poker psychology and mental games books. Ask any poker player on the most popular poker forums, and just about everyone will recommend Jared’s books. The Mental Game of Poker 2 builds on the first book by focusing on mental topics such as mental endurance and playing in the zone—things every serious poker player should be actively working on.

By Jared Tendler, Barry Carter,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Mental Game of Poker 2 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Imagine the edge you would have if you could consistently play poker in the zone. In the zone you make all the right decisions, instinctively when to bluff, and are unfazed by a losing hand. You’re locked in and feel unbeatable.

It’s shocking how many poker players stumble into this elusive state of mind. As quickly as that euphoric feeling of invincibility arrives, it's gone. And no matter how hard they try, they can’t get back there. Until now.

In The Mental Game of Poker 2, author and renowned poker mental game coach Jared Tendler breaks down the zone and…


Book cover of Easy Game: Making Sense of No Limit Hold'Em

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

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

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Alton Hardin Why did Alton love this book?

This book was groundbreaking when it was first released well over a decade ago and was a must-read for just about every poker player. In 2022, it’s considered a bit dated for tougher games, but for beginners and struggling poker players at the lower stakes, it is a must-read. Andrew Seidman covers a plethora of topics in an easy-to-understand manner. In fact, I regularly reference one of his coined poker terms, the Baluga Theorem, which I learned in this book to my poker students on a regular basis.

By Andrew Seidman,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Making Sense of No Limit Hold'Em 3rd Edition: Adaptations


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 my list on poker that every player needs to read.

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Jared Tendler 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.

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…


Book cover of The Mental Game of Poker: Proven Strategies for Improving Tilt Control, Confidence, Motivation, Coping with Variance, and More

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

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

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Alton Hardin Why did Alton love this book?

One of the biggest hurdles for beginning and struggling poker players is their mental game and tilt. In fact, most poker players give up on the game because they can’t handle the swings in the game. And Jared Tendler’s book, The Mental Game of Poker, is probably one of the most well-known books in poker from pure beginners all the way up to the pros making millions of dollars a year. If you struggle with tilt and your poker mental game isn’t on point—this is a must-read book that you should add to your poker library today.      

By Jared Tendler, Barry Carter,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The mental game may be more important in poker than in any other form of competition. It's one of the only games in the world where you can play perfectly and lose-again and again. Hundreds of poker players have turned to mental game coach Jared Tendler's revolutionary approach to help them play their best, no matter how badly they're running. In this book you'll find simple, step-by-step instructions and proven techniques to permanently fix problems such as tilt, handling variance, emotional control, confidence, fear, and motivation. With the games getting tougher, now is the time to take these problems head…


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 my list on poker for beginner and struggling poker players.

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Alton Hardin 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.  

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.


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 my list on poker that every player needs to read.

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Jared Tendler 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.

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 my list on poker for beginner and struggling poker players.

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Alton Hardin 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.   

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…


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