The most recommended poker books

Who picked these books? Meet our 15 experts.

15 authors created a book list connected to poker, and here are their favorite poker books.
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Book cover of Everleigh’s Game

Amber Daulton Author Of Mistletoe in the City

From Amber's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Book cover designer Historian Vegetarian Cat lover

Amber's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Amber Daulton Why did Amber love this book?

I read all kinds of romance books, and this slow-burn historical western caught my attention because the heroine is more interested in creating a name for herself as a newspaperman than she is in finding a man.

Also, she’s an excellent gambler and gives her winnings to the impoverished people of her community, almost like Robin Hood. For a woman to thrive in a male-oriented workplace and to gamble, which is strictly a pastime only for men, well...this had me hooked! 

I was so worried for Everleigh, the heroine, because her scandalous actions could lead to her downfall, but I cheered for each of her successes. This is a great story about female empowerment and finding love with someone who respects you for who you are.

By Kara O’Neal,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Houston, Texas, 1899

Everleigh Camden has upset her mother. She has chosen a profession over marriage. But Everleigh intends to get hitched someday. She just wants some experiences before she settles down, which includes being the secretary to an attorney, and using her winnings from nightly poker games to form the anonymous, charitable persona, "Bets Gamble".

 

However, when a new partner joins the law office, he brings his unwelcome ideas and shocking orders to help him catch the Shooter Creek Bandits.

Wade Bennett, sour on marriage and orderly to a fault, moves to Houston with the intent of catching the…


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 The Long Firm

Mike Gerrard Author Of Strip till Dead

From my list on crime set in London.

Why am I passionate about this?

I began my freelance career as a travel writer, though I now also write about drinks. While living in London I worked for a while at the men’s magazine, Mayfair, and around that time went out for several months with a woman who was a stripper. I didn’t know that when we met, so judged her by her personality not her profession. One of the magazine’s models was murdered, and one of the staff questioned by police. He was totally innocent. I wanted to write the kind of book I like reading, bringing together those two storylines to create a fictional version of a very real part of London life.

Mike's book list on crime set in London

Mike Gerrard Why did Mike love this book?

This is an obvious follow-on from my first choice, a gritty fictionalised version of the kind of world the Kray Brothers moved in. It features the gangster Harry Starks, who is both a porn king and a sociology graduate, and has one of those great openings that grips you from the start:

"You know the song, don’t you?" “There’s no business like show business.” Harry gets the Ethel Merman intonation just right as he heats up a poker in the gas burner.

How can you not read on, albeit a little nervously?

By Jake Arnott,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The cult bestseller that launched Jake Arnott as one of the most exciting new voices of the decade - 'A gangster novel every bit as cool, stylish and venomous as the London in which it's set' (Independent on Sunday)

'I'll tell you what happens now,' Harry says, reading my mind. 'You can go now. We're quits. You don't talk to anybody about anything. You've had a taste of what will happen if you do.'

Meet Harry Starks: club owner, racketeer, porn king, sociology graduate and Judy Garland fan. To be in his orbit is to be caught up in the…


Book cover of People Skills for Analytical Thinkers

Jeremy Adamson Author Of Minding the Machines: Building and Leading Data Science and Analytics Teams

From my list on for data science and analytics leaders.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a leader in analytics and AI strategy, and have a broad range of experience in aviation, energy, financial services, and the public sector.  I have worked with several major organizations to help them establish a leadership position in data science and to unlock real business value using advanced analytics. 

Jeremy's book list on for data science and analytics leaders

Jeremy Adamson Why did Jeremy love this book?

Since data science is, at its core, people helping people make decisions, it is essential that we can establish productive relationships with our stakeholders. This is a skill that needs to be given the same level of effort as we give to coding or statistics. Gilbert’s book is a great resource to help technically oriented people to advance their people skills.

By Gilbert Eijkelenboom,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked People Skills for Analytical Thinkers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"For the engineer, scientist, or technology professional seeking to communicate better in the business world, this is the book you've been craving your entire career!" ”
— Douglas Laney, Innovation Fellow, West Monroe, and best-selling author of "Infonomics"

Your analytical skills are incredibly valuable. However, rational thinking alone isn’t enough.

Have you ever: Presented an idea, but then no one seemed to care? Explained your analysis, only to leave your colleague confused? Struggled to work with people who are less analytical and more emotional?

In these situations, people skills make the difference, and research shows these skills are becoming increasingly…


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

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Jonathan Grotenstein 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.

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 Esquires Handbook for Hosts

Cas Oh Author Of CO Specs: Recipes & Histories of Classic Cocktails

From my list on the drinks enthusiast’s library.

Why am I passionate about this?

Cas Oh is a drinks industry veteran and author of the award-winning book CO Specs: Recipes & Histories of Classic CocktailsCO Specs is the product of Cas Oh’s 20+ years behind the bar, mixing drinks, managing teams, and training staff in such notable venues as The Groucho Club and the Hospital Club. Most recently Oh was running the bars at the iconic Ivy Club in London's West End, where he held the tiller for a decade before leaving to finalise the manuscript for CO Specs. Known for his obsessive approach to research and training, his book is the 'one-stop shop' he always wished he'd had.

Cas' book list on the drinks enthusiast’s library

Cas Oh Why did Cas love this book?

Handbook for Hosts is a throwback to a golden era, when dinner parties were an artform. This book covers the whole gamut: everything from canape suggestions, food recipes, cocktail recipes, how to stock your home bar, party games, conversation tips, the dos and don’t of hosting, and even 365 excuses for a party! This is the kind of book they don’t make anymore, but you wish they would. It’s entertaining, insightful, and beautifully formatted. Read this book and you’ll be a dinner party Jedi in no time.

By Inc. (Firm) Esquire,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Esquires Handbook for Hosts as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Original 1949 Edition! L. J. Allen, Illustrator. Contains: "316 tantalizing canape, snack and male slated food recipes; 608 Esquire tested recipes for the happy home bartender; 585 bright entertainment ideas, bar games, hints for hosts. This is the modern guide to hospitality at home." Learn how to throw a hopping party like they did fifty years ago! A must-have for every party giver, Esquire's Handbook for Hosts is a time-honored guide on how to eat, drink and be merry with inimitable style. It offers the secrets of the perfect cocktail party with the tradition, excitement and hosting flair of the…


Book cover of The Grinder's Manual: A Complete Course in Online No Limit Holdem 6-Max Cash Games

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 haven’t read The Grinder’s Manual, you need to. It should be a staple book in your poker library that you review and reference on a regular basis if you want to beat tough games. Peter Clarke does do an excellent job of breaking down the theory of the game, and highlighting strategies for beating low-stakes online cash games.

By Peter Clarke,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The Grinder's Manual is a 540 page highly theoretical textbook in Online No Limit Holdem Cash Games. It contains 80 colourfully illustrated instructive figures and 152 carefully chosen example hands that are analysed in great detail. This Manual is designed to teach all levels from near beginner to seasoned player. The book is very progressive with a steep incline in complexity throughout its 14 chapters.

Peter (Carroters) Clarke, who is a very well respected instructor on various poker training sites, has been teaching online poker for the last six years and has finally compiled his knowledge into one huge, but…


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 The Noble Hustle: Poker, Beef Jerky and Death

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

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Jonathan Grotenstein Why did Jonathan love this book?

In a self-conscious effort to re-enact Positively Fifth Street’s reimagining of the writer’s journey, Grantland Magazine assigned Colson Whitehead to cover the 2011 World Series in exchange for the $10,000 entry fee. He falls short of matching McManus’ success on the felt, but that’s not really the point: the meat is in the interaction between the poker and Whitehead’s struggle with depression. Which might be unbearable in the hands of anyone other than Colson Whitehead, maybe the best there is at crafting sentences that will make you laugh and wince at the same time.

By Colson Whitehead,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys • “Whitehead proves a brilliant sociologist of the poker world.” —The Boston Globe

In 2011, Grantland magazine gave bestselling novelist Colson Whitehead $10,000 to play at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. It was the assignment of a lifetime, except for one hitch—he’d never played in a casino tournament before. With just six weeks to train, our humble narrator took the Greyhound to Atlantic City to learn the ways of high-stakes Texas Hold’em.

Poker culture, he discovered, is marked by joy, heartbreak, and grizzled…


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 Everleigh’s Game
Book cover of Poker Satellite Strategy: How to qualify for the main events of live and online high stakes poker tournaments
Book cover of The Long Firm

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