The Best 5 Poker Books No One Talks About — But Should

Looking to take your next online poker game from ‘bluff’ to ‘flush’? With so many resources out there to choose from, knowing where to start can be daunting. But with this selection of some of the best poker books ever written – and read by professionals – We’ve got you covered.

Nowadays, there are countless resources to choose from when it comes to learning and perfecting poker. Poker podcasts, online classes, tutorials, videos and more. Of course, some of us still love turning to (and turning the pages of) good ol’ books.

As far as good poker books are concerned, there are thousands out there to choose from, and this blog aims to highlight five classic titles that may fly under the radar in favour of more modern methods, or titles aimed purely at beginners.

The best part? All of them are available on Kindle, and I have noted which can also be purchased and listened to on Audible, for those who prefer to have someone else do the reading while they just listen.

Available on Audible? Yes

Great for: All levels and beginners

Excellent for players of all skill levels, this title – which poker pro Greg Merson says he ‘couldn’t endorse more’ – focusses less on how to play different hands, and more on the psychological tactics and tricks that need to be employed and refined to set you apart from the competition.

Tendler delves into issues like fear of failure, loss of confidence and how to break the bad habits that cost you money at the table. With his background in sports psychology and use of actual player case studies, this title is an ideal ‘poker player therapist’.

Available on Audible? Yes

Great for: All levels and beginners

A standout read, Elements of Poker feels less like a university lecture and more like sitting across from a wise, chill, experienced player who wants to share his secrets. It reframes poker as less of a competition and more of an experience, with reflections and life lessons dressed in poker lingo.

What makes this such a highly-recommended poker book is how it explores the emotional undercurrents of the game and teaches you how to remain cool, calm and collected. Need to master your poker face? This is the one for you!

Available on Audible? Yes

Great for: Intermediate players

If you already consider yourself skilled in the hands and strategies of the game, this good poker book will teach you how to use your opponent’s flaws to your advantage and crush those who aren’t playing properly.

Fitzgerald dives into the ways you can interpret betting patterns, what to look out for and when to deviate from ‘optimal’ play to maximise your odds and, ultimately, profits. What’s also excellent is the real life examples of different hands at play and the ‘aha’ moments that accompany them.

Available on Audible? No

Great for: Advanced players

While definitely not lesser-known, this poker book still deserves a mention on this list, given its reputation as one of the most technically advanced pieces on the topic. This book is definitely written for poker players who know what they’re doing, and sees Acevedo diving deep into Game Optimal Theory (GTO), a well-known poker theory that is considered ‘unexploitable’.

Rather than just present you with complex charts, this title explores the ‘why’ behind each number, with clear and methodical explanations. Definitely not for the faint of heart! In fact, Brandon Adams himself called this ‘one of the best poker books ever written.’

Available on Audible? No

Great for: Advances players

Another title that really delves into the deeper framework of poker, Miller turns the question of ‘what hand do I play here?’ on its head. There is a focus on things like frequencies, decision trees and folds – terms that seasoned players will be familiar with.

The central idea of Poker’s 1% is that 99% percent of poker players never truly understand the underlying maths and mechanics of poker – something most of us novices will agree on!