LESSON 7: RECOMMENDED READING

This guide has only just scratched the surface of hold'em strategy, but if you've made it this far, we're guessing that you're interested in taking your game to the next level. We're listing here some of our favorite books, written by some real smart cookies.

• Winning Low Limit Hold'Em, by Lee Jones
  A very popular book that features a solid and clearly-written strategy. Some authors criticize Jones' advice as slightly too passive, but it's an excellent foundation for any small-stakes hold'em player.
   
• Getting Started in Hold'Em, by Ed Miller
  We think this is the place to start your poker library. Miller is a young and relatively new author in the poker community, but has already established a very good reputation for excellent hold'em advice. Despite a title that seems to cater to beginners, this book is an excellent bridge to intermediate play.
   
• Small Stakes Hold'Em, by Ed Miller
  This book caused a minor sensation among limit hold'em players when it was released in 2004. It encourages a much more aggressive style of play than many intermediate players might be accustomed to, but has garnered rave reviews to this point.
   
• Harrington on Hold'Em (Vols. I and II), by Dan Harrington
  These are widely regarded as the best tournament books on the market. Harrington accomplished an astonishing feat by making it to the final table of the World Series of Poker in consecutive years in 2003 and 2004, and his books have garnered acclaim from novices and professionals alike.
   
• Theory of Poker, by David Sklansky
  One of the true classics, written by an icon of poker theory and literature. This piece discusses a number of poker games other than hold'em and is considered a must-read for aspiring poker players.
   
• Hold'Em Poker for Advanced Players, by David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth
  Perhaps the most widely-read and cited hold'em work of all-time. This book represented the first time many of the most popular modern poker strategies were put to writing. It's not for novices, however, and we recommend something by Jones or Miller before diving into this more advanced book.
   
• Middle Limit Hold'Em, by Bob Ciaffone
  Another advanced book that's held in very high esteem by higher-stakes players. Ciaffone focuses on hold'em games of $10 / $20 and above, and discusses some strategy variations that are particularly helpful against the more advanced players found as the stakes increase.
   
• Super System II, by Doyle Brunson
  Written by one of the true legends of the game, this is an updated edition of Doyle's revolutionary book from two decades ago. The chapter on no-limit play is still one of the best around.