The 30 Best Poker Books To Read and Learn Strategies

#1 The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky

This book from 1999 is the ultimate boss of all poker books. Written by the legendary David Sklansky, The Theory of Poker gives readers an opportunity to get to know and learn, but more important to understand the fundamentals of different types of poker.

It contains the basic knowledge not only about the most popular type of the game, No-Limit Texas Hold’em, but also about 5 Card Draw, Stud, Lowball, and Razz.

As a really good book, The Theory of Poker has a cherry on the top in the form of useful tips and advice about the art of bluffing, poker mindset and psychology of the players.

The book is ideal for amateur, recreational and beginner players. It is praised by many modern players due to the simplicity of its language and Sklansky’s skill of presentation.

#2 Elements of Poker by Tommy Angelo

This book from 2007 is an excellent example of masterful writing about a lot of parts of the game without the author being overwhelming, boring or confusing.

Tommy Angelo managed to make a short but very practical and in-depth guide covering topics such as universal elements of the game, difference between live and online poker, cash and tournaments, Limit and No-Limit Hold’em, and also different components of poker mindset that need to be nurtured by any player.

Elements of Poker clearly can’t be placed among the best poker math books but, as its title correctly says, it’s a very solid work about all unchangeable elements of poker in an almost exquisite way in terms of language.

#3 Play Optimal Poker by Andrew Brooks

The full name of the first book from 2019 describes the core of its content — Play Optimal Poker: Practical Game Theory for Every Poker Player.

Andrew Brooks managed to compile accessible and understandable work even for people completely unfamiliar with poker. This book contains knowledge about usage of equilibrium and indifference, the most convenient and simple ways to apply game theory on a daily basis, tricks of gaining profit from any manner of the game and other really useful information.

It even touches on more complicated subjects like exploitation of common mistakes and working with ranges, which are revealed in more detail in his 2020 book Play Optimal Poker 2: Range Construction.

These two books are among the best poker strategy books since together they give readers enough information to start playing poker on a good level avoiding struggling at the beginning.

Poker MTT Book: Secrets of Professional Tournament Poker by Jonathan Little

Even as a controversial coach with his share of haters, Jonathan Little found a lot of admiration as an author of beginner-friendly tournament poker books.

Secrets of Professional Tournament Poker: The Essential Guide is a rare beast in bookstores that specialises in MTT. It was published for the first time in 2011 and 2012 as a two volume book but in 2021 was rewritten a little and republished becoming even more crucial for any tournament player.

This book can help you to understand almost every fundamental thing about playing MTT: from the mechanics of tournaments to secrets of playing late stages. It also contains valuable knowledge from Jonathan’s experience about non-mathematical and non-strategical elements of poker that can help players significantly improve their tournament results.

Poker Cash Book: Mastering Small Stakes Cash Games by Evan Jarvis

Mastering Small Stakes Cash Games from 2022 is simply one of the best online poker books about cash games.

It shares not a secret but essential knowledge about mastering games through mastering yourself by working on game-plan for each round of betting.

Do not look at the small stakes in its title — Evan wrote a book that can help any poker player (except the highest echelon, maybe) to become better in NLH cash games.

Advanced Poker Book: Modern Poker Theory by Michael Acevedo

A lot of reviewers on different book websites are ready to name Modern Poker Theory: Building an unbeatable strategy based on GTO principles from 2019 the best book on Texas Hold’em ever.

The reason is simple: Michael Acevedo wrote a unique material that explains fundamentals of Game Theory Optimal (GTO) play, its deepest secrets and application at the poker table in real time.

Be aware that this book isn’t everyone’s cup of tea: you need to be already educated enough on basics and a little over them to understand concepts from Modern Poker Theory.

#1 Mastering Pot-Limit Omaha by Herbert Okolowitz & Wladimir Taschner

Pot-Limit Omaha is the second popular type of poker that became only more appreciated by the community during the history of the game. It’s more difficult in many ways than Hold’em, has a higher variance but has one of the best fields thanks to attention from amateurs.

If you want to gain maximum value from it, you must read the 2014 book Mastering Pot-Limit Omaha: The Modern Aggressive Approach written by two professional PLO players and coaches from Germany.

This book gives you everything you need to know about Pot-Limit Omaha strategy including deep understanding of the PLO games, correct decision-making process on every street, usage of aggression to get value and other useful things.

#2 Mastering Mixed Games by Dylan Linde

One of the best books about non-Hold’em variants of poker was published in 2019 under the title Mastering Mixed Games: Winning Strategies for Draw, Stud and Flop Games.

It is written by Dylan Linde, forwarded by Phil Hellmuth and covers preflop ranges and hand strategies for Omaha 8-or-Better, Deuce to Seven Triple Draw, Razz, Stud High and Stud 8-or-Better.

This book is difficult to digest but if you manage to do so — you will be rewarded with a unique knowledge to beat the most difficult yet creative variants of poker.

#3 Super System by Doyle Brunson

This book from 2002 is almost as legendary as The Godfather of Poker himself. To write Doyle Brunson’s Super System he collaborated with the best poker players of his time David “Chip” Reese, Mike Caro, David Sklansky, Joey Hawthorne, and Bobby Baldwin to make a complete and detailed guide on no-limit and limit games including Hold’em, High and Low Stud, draw poker and Lowball. This book may have a few outdated examples of spots but for the most part it is still legit in terms of fundamentals and advice.

For more advanced knowledge on the topic you can check the second volume under the title Super Systems 2 that contains information about other types of the game, tips and advice which was verbalised by the brightest minds of poker dawn — Lyle Berman, Bobby Baldwin, Johnny Chan, Mike Caro, Jennifer Harman, Todd Brunson, and Crandell Addington.

#1 The Mental Game of Poker by Jared Tendler & Barry Carter

A recognized classic of poker mindset books from 2011, The Mental Game of Poker: Proven Strategies for Improving Tilt Control, Confidence, Motivation, Coping with Variance, and More contains everything from its title.

This book methodically uncovers every element of the mental game including tilt, laziness, emotional management, psychological preparation to each session and other vital parts of poker players’ mindset.

If reading this book won’t be enough for you — try the second volume from the same authors under the title The Mental Game of Poker 2: Proven Strategies For Improving Poker Skill, Increasing Mental Endurance, and Playing In The Zone Consistently.

#2 The Truth Detective by Alex O’Brien

One of the poker bestsellers on Amazon, The Truth Detective: A Poker Player’s Guide to a Complex World from science writer and poker player Alex O’Brien was published in 2023 as a unique guide of using poker skills and rules to make better decisions in day-to-day life.

Information from this book may help you a little at the poker table but surely will have a great impact on your daily life.

It is good for recreational players but much better for professionals who seek answers to questions about the usefulness of their skills beyond the game.

#3 The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikova

When psychologist and Erik Seidel’s protege Maria Konnikova started studying poker, she realized a lot of life-changing and simply mind-blowing things about herself. To preserve these findings, Maria wrote and published in 2020 one of the best books on poker psychology from the first hands — The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win.

This work ended up among The New York Times 2020 TOP-100 the best books due to its unique approach, tons of insights from the head of poker players and solid advice useful even for non-poker people.

The Biggest Bluff isn’t a pill for every ill but it surely contains a lot of mindshifting information from the poker world.

#1 Positively Fifth Street by James McManus

Published in 2003, Positively Fifth Street is a wild ride from James McManus, a journalist who stumbled into poker glory. Sent to cover the 2000 WSOP Main Event, he shocked the world by making the final table. Part memoir, part murder mystery, it’s a unique lens on poker’s unpredictability.

Beyond the drama, McManus weaves in strategy tips and psychological insights from his unlikely run. It’s a gripping read for beginners or casual players who want to see how an outsider can thrive under pressure.

#2 One of a Kind by Nolan Dalla & Peter Alson

This 2005 biography captures the rollercoaster life of Stu Ungar, poker’s most brilliant and tragic figure. Authors Nolan Dalla and Peter Alson detail Ungar’s rise as a card prodigy, his WSOP triumphs, and his self-destructive downfall. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at genius at the table.

For players, the book doubles as a study in high-stakes decision-making and the cost of neglecting discipline. It’s a sobering lesson in balancing skill and life—essential for anyone chasing poker greatness.

#3 Life’s a Gamble by Mike Sexton

Poker legend Mike Sexton lays out his story in this 2016 autobiography. From small-stakes hustler to WSOP champ and the voice of the World Poker Tour, Sexton’s journey is a masterclass in persistence. His warm, witty style makes it an easy yet impactful read.

While light on technical strategy, it’s packed with advice on surviving the ups and downs of poker. It’s a great pick for players who want to build a long-term mindset and learn from a true ambassador of the game.

#1 The Mathematics of Poker by Bill Chen & Jerrod Ankenman

Published in 2006, The Mathematics of Poker is a deep dive into the game’s numerical core. Bill Chen and Jerrod Ankenman, both math PhDs and poker pros, explore probability, risk, and game theory. It’s dense but rewarding, covering everything from basic odds to advanced models.

This isn’t a light read—beginners might struggle—but for intermediate players, it’s a goldmine. It teaches you to calculate expected value and exploit statistical edges, skills that translate directly to profit at the tables.

#2 Poker Math That Matters by Owen Gaines

Owen Gaines simplifies poker math in this 2010 gem, Poker Math That Matters. Focused on practical applications, it tackles pot odds, implied odds, and equity calculations without overwhelming readers. It’s tailored for No-Limit Hold’em players looking to sharpen their edge.

The book shines by bridging theory and real-world play. It’s ideal for those who want quick, usable formulas to make smarter calls and bets, especially in fast-paced online games.

#3 Essential Poker Math by Alton Hardin

Released in 2016, Essential Poker Math by Alton Hardin is a beginner-friendly guide to the numbers that drive poker. It covers odds, outs, equity, and basic probability, with exercises to reinforce concepts. Think of it as a crash course for the analytically curious.

For players new to math or transitioning to serious study, this book is a perfect starting point. It builds confidence in crunching numbers on the fly, a must-have skill for beating low-stakes games.

#1 Winning Poker Online by Norman Chad & Michael Craig

Released in 2007, Winning Poker Online by Norman Chad and Michael Craig tackles the early days of the digital boom. It covers essentials like bankroll management, table selection, and adjusting to online speed. While dated in spots, its core lessons still resonate.

For beginners dipping into online play, this book is a solid primer. It teaches you to navigate virtual tables and avoid rookie mistakes, making it a stepping stone to more advanced study.

#2 Online Poker: Your Guide to Success by Tyson Lyle

Tyson Lyle’s 2019 book, Online Poker: Your Guide to Success, zeroes in on modern online dynamics. It dives into multi-tabling, HUD usage, and exploiting predictable opponents. Packed with examples, it’s built for the current online meta.

This is a go-to for intermediate players grinding small stakes. It bridges the gap between theory and action, helping you turn data into dollars in today’s fast-paced online environment.

#3 Mastering Online Cash Games by Alex Fitzgerald

Published in 2021, Mastering Online Cash Games by Alex Fitzgerald is a deep dive into No-Limit Hold’em cash play. It breaks down preflop ranges, postflop adjustments, and software-driven strategies. It’s concise yet thorough, aimed at serious online grinders.

Perfect for players ready to climb stakes, this book sharpens your analytical edge. It’s loaded with tips to outplay regulars and maximize profits in the digital realm.