Books on Poker and Life Lessons

An indispensable guide for those who fantasize about playing poker for a living, offering expert-level playing skills and odds that form the foundation of a pro’s abilities, as well as addressing career issues such as bankroll management, work hours, tournaments vs. cash games, travel, emotional control, taxes, getting staked, and online play. The book also answers important questions that few other poker books address, including whether one has what it takes to play professionally, whether to quit their day job or play part-time, how much money can be made, how much is needed to get started, and what the pros on TV know that others don’t. Professional Poker outlines each step in the transition to the professional level and provides skills and advice to help players always bring their “A” game. The book has received early praise from renowned poker authors and commentators, who describe it as the best poker career guide ever written, a must-read for anyone considering poker as a career, well-written, informative, accurate, and a sobering yet frank examination of playing poker professionally.

Maria Konnikova, a New York Times bestselling author, embarked on an unexpected journey into the world of poker. Despite having no prior experience or knowledge of the game, she persuaded Erik Seidel, a Poker Hall of Fame inductee with millions in earnings, to mentor her. Konnikova, who holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has a growing body of work on human behavior, was not interested in the monetary aspect of poker but rather in its life lessons. After a period of personal misfortune, she was directed towards poker as a way to understand the balance between control and chance. Under Seidel’s tutelage, she entered the intense, male-dominated world of high-stakes Texas Hold’em, aiming for the World Series of Poker. However, her journey took an unexpected turn. She started winning, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from tournaments, securing a sponsor, and even enjoying Las Vegas. But more importantly, she gained invaluable insights about herself and life. Despite her success, she realized that skill alone is not enough. As a writer and student of human behavior, her ultimate goal was to share these lessons from her extraordinary journey.

In his gripping autobiography, Mike “The Mouth” Matusow, one of the most recognizable and followed poker players today, takes readers on a wild ride through his tumultuous life, from humble beginnings to the heights of poker stardom. Matusow’s story is a riveting tale of high-stakes gambling, mental illness, drug addiction, and ultimately, redemption, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional poker and the personal struggles of a man torn between bipolar disorder and ADHD.

‘How to Win…’ is a captivating tale of author Pat Walsh’s transformation from an ordinary guy to a high stakes gambler, and likely back to an ordinary guy. The narrative starts with him playing online poker, progressing to the world series – the ultimate goal for the 150 million Americans who play poker weekly. The book explores the online poker explosion, the popularity of televised games, and the less glamorous side of the lifestyle. Despite his wife’s lack of support, Walsh enthusiastically pursues his dream. This book is for every poker enthusiast who ever thought they could beat the pros with enough money, time, and practice. Walsh boldly puts this theory to the test, equipped with high hopes, a lucky hat, and his wife’s money. ‘How To Win…’ is a relatable story for players worldwide, balancing family, work, and the pursuit of a professional gambling career, and failing at all three. The book’s engaging charm and humor make it as addictive as poker itself.

Mike Sexton has led an impressive career in poker, both as a professional player and a key figure in the game’s business aspects, for over four decades. He has not only won a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet but also played a crucial role in the creation of PartyPoker in 2001 and the launch of the World Poker Tour (WPT) in 2002, an event that significantly impacted the poker world. Since the beginning of the WPT, he has served as a commentator alongside Vince Van Patten. In his book, Mike shares his personal stories and insights into some of the most iconic characters in poker over the last 40 years. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of poker, as well as those who enjoy thrilling stories of poker, golf, and gambling. If these topics capture your interest, you will find “Life’s A Gamble” to be a captivating read.

While most poker books are dense strategy guides, this whimsically illustrated book offers a lighthearted yet insightful look at the game, featuring a diverse array of poker-related information. From the basic ranking of hands to the most bizarre collateral used during a game, The Poker Aficionado is filled with lessons and anecdotes from poker’s biggest names, including Phil Gordon’s ten commandments, Mike Caro’s common tells, and Amarillo Slim’s famous sayings. With additional content ranging from the best poker movies to recipes for home game snacks and secrets to winning online.

The book stands out as a unique and enjoyable poker book that focuses on improving overall gameplay rather than specific strategies. Unlike traditional poker guides, it emphasizes mental and physical aspects of playing, such as mindset, positioning, and even breathing. Angelo’s central theme is maximizing time spent in your “A-game” while minimizing your “C-game,” arguing that this approach can significantly impact profitability. The book introduces the concept of “reciprocality,” suggesting that profit comes from making better decisions than opponents in all aspects of the game, not just hand-playing. While some advice may be oversimplified or controversial, the book offers valuable insights on self-control, tilt management, and recognizing often-overlooked opportunities for improvement in a player’s poker journey.

A Review of The Book by Jaime Staples

The thrilling real-life journey of Doyle Brunson, an American icon, is a tale of survival, courage, and triumph. Brunson, a two-time world champion poker player, has faced death, navigated the dangerous streets of Fort Worth and mob-infested Las Vegas, and risked millions on everything from poker to golf. His life is marked by incredible highs and lows, from surviving a death sentence due to incurable cancer, to outliving most of his poker-playing peers in Texas, to bluffing a gunman after being pistol-whipped. Despite numerous financial ups and downs, Brunson has won and lost millions, often in mere seconds. He’s even gambled on the grandest scale, betting one million dollars on a single golf hole while barely able to stand. His life, filled with extraordinary exploits and devastating tragedies, is a testament to the saying: Truth is stranger than fiction. To the millions who play poker worldwide, Brunson is the legendary “Babe Ruth of Poker”—the greatest gambler and poker player to ever live.

Poker rules mirror life lessons, covering finance, mathematics, sociology, literature, and psychology. The book presents poker as a metaphor for success in life, emphasizing principles like honesty, adaptability, and creating one’s own luck. It includes wisdom from poker pros and celebrities, positioning itself as not just a guide for poker players but as a practical philosophy for navigating life’s challenges and opportunities.

This book compiles articles by David Sklansky, previously published in Card Player, Poker World, and the Two Plus Two Poker Strategy Magazine, along with some never-before-seen pieces. The majority of the articles focus on poker and gambling, but Sklansky has also ventured into other subjects, analyzed in his distinctive style. The book includes essays on poker and gaming topics like being a favorite, talent versus discipline, and never go broke, as well as life topics like what It Is that makes an issue controversial and crime and punishment. The expanded edition features 32 new essays, many focusing on no-limit hold ’em.

The Poker MBA uses poker as a metaphor to teach valuable business and life lessons. The book draws parallels between the strategies and skills used in poker and those required to succeed in the business world. It covers topics such as risk management, decision-making, negotiation, reading people, and managing emotions. The author shares insights and anecdotes from his own experiences as a professional poker player and entrepreneur, as well as interviews with successful business leaders and poker players. The book aims to help readers develop a winning mindset and apply poker strategies to their professional and personal lives.

Poker is not just a card game, it can also be a tool for personal success beyond the gaming tables. By combining the wisdom of an ancient spiritual practice with the tactics of this popular game, you can develop a potent strategy for both successful play and life. Larry Phillips, an award-winning poker player, presents over 280 rules in his book, The Tao of Poker, designed to elevate your personal achievement. Some of these rules include: maintaining a long-term perspective, playing a committed hand strongly, avoiding the waste of good money, and knowing when to quit. Applying these rules can enhance both your game and your life. Now, you can triumph not only at the casino but also in your personal and professional life, wherever success matters.

The poker industry’s phenomenal growth is evident. Not long ago, only a few places had small poker rooms. Now, numerous locations across the country offer poker, including several large facilities. This rapid expansion has increased the demand for skilled dealers, a fact clear to anyone involved in poker. Dealing poker appears easy when done by a top-notch dealer who not only excels at their job but also enjoys it. This ensures the continued growth and success of poker. This is the ultimate guide for those interested in a professional poker dealing career.

Discover the world of professional poker through the eyes of twenty-eight players from six different countries, all of whom are real grinders. This book offers you the unique opportunity to explore whether you possess the qualities needed to become a professional poker player. By bringing together some of the world’s best pro players, we provide an insider’s view on what it means to play poker for a living. They share insights into the highs and lows, the victories and challenges, and what distinguishes the winners from the losers in a game where fortunes can change with a single card. With a focus on the importance of a level head and quick wit at the table, this book reveals the reality of professional poker. Real grinders. Professional poker doesn’t get more authentic than this.

It chronicles the life of Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott, a renowned and accomplished poker player hailing from the United Kingdom. From his upbringing in a neighborhood, in Hull, England to his remarkable ascent as a professional poker player amassing fame and fortune along the way. It provides a look into his life, including his relationships and family dynamics. Moreover it delves into Ulliotts accomplishments in his career, such as securing a World Series of Poker bracelet and clinching victory in a World Poker Tour event. Additionally this book offers insights, into the thrilling world of high stakes poker shedding light on the personalities, strategic approaches and lavish lifestyles embraced by its players.

David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth have dedicated many years to writing about the intricacies of poker, blackjack, and other games that can be beaten. This book is a guide for the aspiring gambler who is not yet highly experienced. It offers a comprehensive look at what you need to know and do to make a living from gambling, covering both practical and technical aspects. The authors explain that making a good living exclusively through gambling is challenging but achievable. They highlight the importance of understanding which games offer a realistic chance of winning and how to master them.

Among the games considered beatable and discussed in this book are poker, blackjack, horses, sports betting, progressive slots, video poker, casino tournaments, and special promotions. The authors make it clear why they do not include games like craps, roulette, keno, or baccarat, providing explanations within the book.

The text underscores that many thousands of people successfully earn their livelihood through gambling. David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth are just two examples of individuals who have not only succeeded in this field but have also taken the time to share their knowledge. As the book unfolds, readers will discover the essential strategies and insights needed to potentially gamble for a living. However, the authors remind us that the journey requires dedication and effort, as the rest is up to the individual.