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| by Sean 2004/10/03 Please note - this essay has been updated and edited as of October 3rd, 2004. Those items that are additions to this text have been italicized. I hope you enjoy. "What should I read?" This question comes up a lot from friends and colleagues regarding their quest for poker knowledge (I have even had someone approach on the subway while I was reading to ask for book advice). Once you've made a decision to read a book the choice can be overwhelming. Although I am by no means an expert in poker or evaluating books I have read my fair share of books and have more than a few opinions on what works have benefited me to some extent and which ones haven't. This essay is geared for the occasional player that wants to bring a little more knowledge to their game by reading a few books. I'll list my recommendation of what books you should read in what order, and some alternates if you don't like my choices. So, if you've decided it might be worth reading a book to improve your game where should you start? How about Step #1. Please note - if you are very new to poker, or absolutely new, you may want to start with something basic. The Fundamentals of Poker by Malmuth and Loomis provide basic advice from how to play the game to simple strategy for Stud, Hold'em, Razz and Omaha. A player with experience will find the info light but it is perfect for a beginner. For those of you past this book lets begin... STEP #1 - Pick a game, any game. The first step is choosing a game. Poker has a number of variations and although it is nice to learn them all it is best you start with one. Once you've specialized in one game and you feel comfortable you can move on to another. Texas Hold'em The most common form of poker these days is Texas Hold'em. The no-limit version of this game is used to crown the world champion, and the internet has numerous sites with this variation. If you are ever only going to learn one game (although I would never recommend that) it should probably be Texas Hold'em. If Texas Hold'em is your choice then my recommendation for your first book is the now classic Winning Low Limit Hold'em by Lee Jones. (Make sure you get the second edition). The book is well-written and targets players in the beginner to middle skill-level category. It focuses exclusively on low-limit hold'em. WLLH will take you through what hands to play pre-flop in which position, and then how play your hands on each street to the river. It will give you basic rules on factoring odds into your play and includes quizzes and summaries to assist with the learning process. Seven Card Stud Some people prefer Stud to Hold'em and seven card stud is certainly a popular and dynamic form of poker in both home games and casinos. If you'd rather play Stud than Hold'em then I recommend you read Roy West's excellent Seven Stud: 42 Lessons How to Win at the Lower and Medium Limits. Much like Jones' Hold'em book "42 Lessons" provides a basic strategy specific to the lower limits of a particular game. Now you've chosen your book you need to read and re-read and, of course, play. Play as much you can. I recommend you play on an internet site for play money until you have your basic strategy down-pat. You can pick any site. I play at Paradise Poker. Alternates Naturally my recommendations are not the only low-limit books for players who wish to start reading - they are merely the best in my own humble opinion. Here are some alternates you could choose to read instead if you cannot find my recommendations or would just rather read something else: Texas Hold'em Step #1 alternates
Seven Card Stud Step #1 alternates
That's it for Step #1. Pick your book and play and read and play and read (and have fun). When you are ready move on over to Step #2. |
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