Books on Poker Psychology and Mindset

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.

The book offers a comprehensive guide for micro- and small-stakes players, as well as advanced strategies for online short-handed games up to 100NL. This book covers over 50 proven tactics, from winning pots without premium hands to crushing opponents with simple adjustments, handling downswings, and calculating odds on the fly. It reveals secrets to becoming a self-made millionaire through poker, effective bluffing techniques, and methods to dominate tables from the moment you sit down. Applicable in various settings from Las Vegas casinos to home games, The Poker Blueprint demonstrates that crushing poker doesn’t require advanced math or a high IQ – just the right strategies.

The author emphasize that the new era of poker demands players to treat the game as a competitive endeavor and themselves as sportspeople, drawing parallels between poker players and professional athletes in terms of dedication, practice, analysis, and the use of psychology to gain a winning edge. The book, packed with research and feedback from top pros like Daniel Negreanu and Phil Hellmuth, guides readers on how to prepare their bodies and minds to achieve optimal results in tournaments and cash games. It emphasizes the importance of being in peak physical condition to sharpen every aspect of play, while poor diet and neglect of emotional life can undermine one’s game. “Peak Performance Poker” covers crucial aspects such as flow, proper nutrition, rest and recovery, sports psychology, and time management to help players balance poker with the rest of their lives. The authors assert that the modern poker table belongs to smart, fit, and healthy competitors, and this book aims to seat readers among the best of them.

In recent years, a wealth of new insights has emerged in the field of poker psychology. This aspect of poker, while less strategic, is crucial to overall success in the game, leading to the rise of mental coaching. Poker, a game rooted in probability, can mislead many players due to its counterintuitive nature and significant short-term luck factor. Therefore, psychological tools are believed to be necessary for effective play. However, a comprehensive understanding of poker, including strategic principles, counterintuitiveness, and the luck factor, can typically resolve all issues. In his book, Real Poker Psychology, Mason Malmuth, a professional player and author of numerous poker and gambling books, offers a unique perspective on the game’s psychological aspects. His approach differs from other works in the field, leading to unique conclusions. The book covers a wide range of topics, including Variance, Tilt, Craving Action, and more.

Poker Isometrics And Poker Fitness explores the importance of physical well being for poker players aiming to boost their performance at the poker table. The book introduces “Poker Isometrics,” a combination of physical exercises meant to enhance focus, discipline and stamina. These exercises aim to help players stay calm and attentive during poker sessions reduce stress levels and improve decision making abilities. Additionally the book provides insights on maintaining a diet engaging in exercise routines and adopting sleep habits to support overall wellness and optimize performance, in the game of poker.

Discover the secrets of becoming an exceptional poker player by exploring the mindset of poker champion, Doyle Brunson. Engrossing tales and escapades from his initial career playing poker in roadhouses are woven with insights from the champion who has earned the most from poker in history. Understand the workings of a successful player, their game strategy, and gain honest, impactful guidance from the legend himself.

The Education of a Poker Player (High Stakes Poker) by Herbert O. Yardley is a book about poker strategy, tactics, and the psychology of the game. It was first published in 1957 and has since become a classic in the world of poker literature. The book is divided into two parts: the first part focuses on Yardley’s own experiences and education in poker, while the second part provides detailed analysis and advice on various aspects of the game, such as reading opponents, bluffing, and calculating odds. Yardley, a former codebreaker and intelligence officer, applies his analytical skills to the game of poker, offering insights and tips that have proven valuable to both amateur and professional players.

The Poker Hero provides insights, strategies, and advice on how to succeed in the competitive world of poker. The author shares his experiences and knowledge gained from years of playing poker professionally, and offers tips on how to improve one’s game, make better decisions, and ultimately become a successful poker player. The book covers various aspects of poker, including understanding the game’s psychology, managing one’s bankroll, and developing a winning mindset. It also discusses the importance of discipline, patience, and continuous learning in order to thrive in the ever-evolving poker landscape.

This book explores the psychological pitfalls that can hinder your poker game. They discuss common mistakes like playing hands you should fold, letting emotions affect your game, and playing when you’re off your game. The book helps you identify and correct these mistakes, using your existing poker knowledge. It also covers topics like intuition vs logic, self-evaluation, unconscious and emotional factors, adapting to changes, and stress management.

Patricia Cardner, a psychology professor, licensed counselor, and avid poker player, conducted interviews with a specific group of professional poker players. These players all had two things in common: they had been successful for many years and had lifetime winnings exceeding $1,000,000. Patricia then analyzed the data from these interviews to identify the psychological skills, techniques, and strategies they employed.

Pot-Limit Omaha is quickly gaining traction in the poker world, thanks to the ongoing poker boom. Despite its growing popularity, players have found it challenging to find comprehensive advice on mastering this intricate game. “Secrets of Pot-Limit Omaha” emerges as a pioneering guide, diving into the strategies of medium and high-stakes PLO with unprecedented clarity. This book unveils critical strategies previously unpublished. It covers a wide array of topics essential for PLO success, including a novel short-stack strategy, adjustments for playing with a larger stack, optimal bet sizing, strategic seating, the use of blockers, executing the bare ace bluff, and leveraging opponents’ weaknesses. Additionally, it provides valuable theoretical and practical insights through practice hands and hand match-up analyses. This book is indispensable for anyone aiming to excel in Pot-Limit Omaha.

Out of Print

This book stands out from other poker books by explaining the theory of the game in simple terms, without delving into complex math or formulas. The book primarily consists of Eckstut’s private lessons and includes basic poker math calculations for outs and pot odds, as well as verification tasks and tests. Eckstut believes that each player possesses four types of knowledge: what they know, what they know they don’t know, what they don’t know they don’t know, and what they don’t know they know. The book caters to those who already understand the rules, basic terms, and strategies of poker, and is not suitable for complete beginners. “Bobbo’s Bible” offers useful information, breaking down difficult strategies, game principles, and formulas into simple language, and includes complex strategies that can be applied after mastering the fundamentals. The book’s price at release was over $1,000, reflecting the value of Bobbo’s expensive and effective lessons.

Chip Reese, one of the greatest poker players of all time, once told Mike Sexton that his success was due to his superior psychological control over his play compared to his opponents. He explained that while his opponents might be as good as him when they’re at their best, they also have moments of weakness that he doesn’t. This book, Peak Poker Performance, will teach you how to emulate Reese’s mental strength. Dr. Patricia Cardner, in collaboration with Jonathan Little, provides specific strategies and guidelines that can improve your performance and mental state. These strategies, which have been proven to work with hundreds of poker players at various levels, can help you create an unbeatable mindset, handle downswings, eliminate procrastination, improve motivation, and master your emotions. This book is a follow-up to Cardner’s first book, Positive Poker, and uses the latest research to help you achieve better results in poker and in life.

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

This book provides a solid foundation in Texas Hold’em rules, strategy and important concepts for both beginning and intermediate players looking to improve their game. The mathematical and psychological discussions provide valuable perspective.

Imagine the advantage you’d gain if you could consistently play poker in the zone, making the right decisions, instinctively knowing when to bluff, and remaining unfazed by a losing hand. Many poker players occasionally experience this state of mind, but struggle to maintain it. The Mental Game of Poker 2, by respected poker mental game coach Jared Tendler, provides actionable steps to help players achieve this state consistently. Tendler simplifies the concept of the zone, bringing logic and order to it for the first time. His straightforward, tested approach can help you play at levels you never thought possible. The book offers strategies to improve decision making, increase focus and discipline, and eliminate mistakes. In today’s competitive poker environment, this book equips you with the tools to excel. It builds on the psychological strategies from Tendler’s first book, The Mental Game of Poker, which has helped thousands of players improve their game.

The author of “The Winner’s Guide to Casino Gambling” presents a comprehensive study of poker, suitable for both home and casino players. Silverstang uses real game anecdotes to illustrate playing strategies, emphasizing that poker is not solely a game of luck. By mastering the right skills and understanding the psychology of the game, readers of this “poker’s bible” can gain the competitive advantage needed to outplay their rivals.

In his book, legendary poker champion Doyle Brunson shares fascinating anecdotes and adventures from his early career playing poker in roadhouses and with other great champions, interspersed with important lessons on what it takes to be a successful poker player. Brunson, who has made more money at poker than anyone else in the history of the game, provides insights into the mind of a great player, revealing his approach to the game and offering candid, powerful advice to readers. The book features a foreword by renowned poker authority Mike Caro, who hails Brunson as “the greatest poker player who ever lived.”

The author has packed a lot of information into this book, designed for both beginning and seasoned players, covering seven-card stud and hold’em. The subtitle, “The Four Basic Rules and Strategies for Winning at the Game of Poker,” is covered in the second chapter. The remaining chapters include “Poker Strategies for How to Win More Often and Win More $,” “Poker Strategies for Special Situations,” “Rules and Strategies for Texas Hold’em,” “The Psychology of Poker” (also the title of Epstein’s first book), “Making an Allowance for Recommendations for Tipping/Showing Your Appreciation,” and “For Seniors: Playing Poker for Fun, $, and Good Health.” Special chapters have been contributed by Dr. Daniel E. Abrams. On the cover, Epstein states, “Play by these four simple basic rules and the strategies, and you will come away a winner most of the time — perhaps three out of four sessions or more.”

The Poker Mindset is about the mental and psychological aspects of poker. It aims to help poker players develop the right mindset and attitude to be successful in the game. The book covers topics such as emotional control, discipline, risk management, and understanding the long-term nature of poker. It provides insights, strategies, and techniques to help players improve their mental game, make better decisions, and ultimately become more profitable and successful poker players.

This book is about the mindset, strategies, and philosophies behind becoming a successful poker player. The author, a former professional poker player, shares his insights and experiences to help readers understand the game on a deeper level and improve their skills. The book covers topics such as understanding the psychology of poker, developing a strong mental game, mastering poker strategy, and learning from mistakes. It aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the game and the tools needed to become a winning poker player.

This is a groundbreaking poker guide that delves into the psychological aspect of the game, revealing the long-guarded secrets of reading opponents’ body language. With over 170 photographs, this book teaches players how to interpret the subtle cues and behaviors that can give away the strength of an opponent’s hand. By mastering these tells, players can gain a significant edge at the table, knowing when to raise, call, or fold based on their opponents’ actions. The book emphasizes that poker is not just a game of cards, but a game of psychology played with cards, and understanding the players is just as crucial as understanding the odds. Mike Caro’s Book of Tells is an essential resource for any serious poker player looking to take their game to the next level by unlocking the hidden secrets of their opponents’ behavior.

The Mental Game of Poker by Jared Tendler focuses on the psychological aspects of poker and how to improve one’s mental game to become a better poker player. The book covers various topics such as emotional control, focus, discipline, decision-making, and handling pressure. It provides strategies, techniques, and practical advice to help poker players overcome mental obstacles, develop a strong mindset, and ultimately improve their overall performance at the poker table. The book is designed for poker players of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, who want to gain a mental edge over their opponents and achieve long-term success in the game.

This classic book by Fox during the peak of draw poker’s popularity in California’s cardrooms. It is considered one of the finest books on draw, focusing on key topics for professional players. These include position, frequency, distribution of playable hands, bluffing frequencies, eliciting calls, and behavioral deductions, as well as when to call. The book is enriched with numerous mathematical tables and psychological strategies.

A unique poker book that focuses on playing against the typical amateur and “calling station” players frequently found in low stakes games, rather than the high stakes professionals that most books are written by and for. The author recognizes that the advice given by high stakes pros often doesn’t apply to the majority of players who face unorthodox opponents chasing every hand to the river. This book aims to help intermediate players who already understand the basic rules and hand values of Texas Hold’em become consistent winners in small stakes cash games, both in casinos and online. It covers all aspects of poker, including math, tells, game theory, card selection, and more, while presenting proven techniques that have generated a 30% return on investment for the author over the past decade. With this book, players will never again become frustrated with unconventional opponents at the low stakes tables.

Mastering PLO stands out as a unique and impressive book that introduces a fresh approach to the game, unlike most PLO books that suggest an outdated, highly conservative game-plan that’s ineffective in today’s games. This book provides detailed explanations on pre-flop hand selection and dynamics, including wide 3- and 4-bet ranges analysis and optimal bet-sizing theory. It also teaches how to leverage equity shifts on turn and river, and the art of bluffing. It helps you comprehend the game better, fostering a comprehensive view of the play by linking preflop decisions to later actions. And there’s more… A well-defined game-plan and the right mindset can significantly boost your win-rate and give you an advantage over your opponents. Mastering PLO is the key to gaining that advantage!

The field of poker theory is evolving into a more complex and mathematical domain, making it increasingly difficult for the average person to grasp. Philip Newall’s book, The Intelligent Poker Player, seeks to make sophisticated poker strategies more understandable to the general public by using clear language. It offers a comprehensive method that can be applied to various poker games, with a focus on limit and no-limit hold ’em. Notably, it’s the first to explore the burgeoning area of poker-playing robots, analyzing the advanced play of top-tier computers in heads-up limit hold ’em. Moreover, recognizing the uncertainties of a professional poker career, Newall includes guidance on minimizing risks through strategic financial and psychological management. This includes chapters on diverse topics from game strategy to financial planning, aiming to equip players with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of professional poker.

Being a successful live cash player requires more than just playing the hand correctly. It demands a range of other skills, which are taught by top-ranking professional poker player, Jonathan Little. Known as one of the game’s best instructors, Jonathan has a unique knack for simplifying complex poker concepts. His teachings include strategies such as when to adopt a loose/aggressive or tight/aggressive approach, when a passive strategy can yield the most profit, and how to identify subtle tells to accurately gauge player types. He also covers essential topics like bankroll management, game selection, and emotional control.

18 of the world’s top no-limit experts, including big names like Phil Hellmuth, Chris Moneymaker, Mike Sexton, and Jared Tendler explore every facet of the game in depth. Part 1 focuses on strategies such as mastering the basics, satellite play, lower-buy in events, reading tells, and advancing in stakes. Part 2 provides a comprehensive technical dissection of the game, covering range analysis, optimal game theory play, short stack strategies, value betting, and final table play. Part 3 addresses the psychological aspects of the game, including mental toughness and understanding tilt, which are as crucial as the technical skills. Excelling at No-Limit Hold’em is a comprehensive guide for anyone serious about improving their poker game.

Mastering all the skills of poker, including hand selection, playing position, image projection, and hand reading, is essential to becoming an expert. However, many players who have these skills still struggle, especially when playing against superior opponents. The key is not just having the skills, but effectively integrating them. This book will demonstrate that winning at poker requires strategic thinking and a systematic approach to the game.

Poker requires mastering various skills and strategies like hand selection, bluffing, and reading hands. Success isn’t about natural instincts, but understanding psychological factors that influence your and your opponents’ gameplay. Dr. Schoonmaker’s text explores why players adopt certain tactics and suggests adjustments for improved results and enjoyment.

This comprehensive and authoritative book stands as the ultimate guide to poker, offering an exhaustive exploration of the beloved American game. From detailed explanations of each variant’s rules to advanced strategies for mastering the odds, Albert Morehead, who has penned over 70 books on card game rules and strategies, has significantly demystified the path to victory, asserting that “Poker is a game of skill. If you aren’t beating the game, you’re being outplayed.” Success in poker hinges not on luck but on the right mindset, sound judgment, and honed skills—all of which can be learned.

In Tournament Poker And The Art Of War, David Apostolico effectively applied traditional strategic principles to enhance his readers’ poker abilities. He now presents a poker guide inspired by the teachings of Niccolo Machiavelli, whose enduring tactical masterpiece, The Prince, serves as the catalyst for Apostolico’s assured instruction. Readers are taught to embrace the mentality of a strong leader, playing with discipline and foresight to take advantage of their opponents’ weaknesses and capitalize on their errors.

Poker Nation is a captivating journey into the world of competitive poker, exploring the obsession, addiction, and the mathematics behind the game. The book takes readers from basement games to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. It offers insights into card counting, reading player’s body language, and handling losses. Bellin’s vivid descriptions of the diverse players and behind-the-scenes action in illegal poker clubs keep readers engaged. The book also provides valuable tips on playing Texas Hold’em, the preferred game for high-stake players.

Total Poker explores the analysis, clever tactics, and inspired bluffing that are essential to the game, but ultimately, winning at poker is a “psychological decision” made by each player, as the author maintains. Luck evens out for everyone, rendering the concept of “good cards” or “bad cards” meaningless. This book, packed with stories about the application of poker to life in general, explores the game’s history, culture, techniques, strategies, rules, and probabilities.

This updated starter guide is ideal for beginners aiming to win at poker tournaments and cash games. It covers all popular poker games, online poker, 21 key poker concepts, 15 bluffing concepts, and using psychology and body language. Handy charts included.

Winning at poker requires mastering specific attitudes and habits, not just playing well. Dr. Schoonmaker, a poker expert, explains the key skills needed to win, including risk and information management, discipline, decision-making, focus, information control, emotional reaction control, and decisiveness. By learning these skills, you can play confidently and win more often. Dr. Schoonmaker, a Ph.D. holder in psychology from UC Berkeley, is a distinguished author and columnist with teaching and research experience at UCLA, Carnegie-Mellon, and Belgium’s Catholic University of Louvain. He resides in Las Vegas.

In “Your Worst Poker Enemy,” Schoonmaker reveals the aspects of poker that extend beyond the physical table, focusing on the psychological battle involved. “Your Best Poker Friend” elevates the discussion, moving past mere tricks and strategies. This book explores the depths of the player’s mind, emphasizing that the key ally in poker is, in fact, the player themselves. Written in a clear and engaging manner, it equips every player with the knowledge they need to achieve a royal flush.

Great poker players always say, “It depends.” This can be frustrating, but it’s true. The secret to poker mastery lies in understanding what it depends on. Now, there’s a book that provides this insight. Poker involves numerous factors: table position, flop texture, player count, opponent personalities, etc. ‘Decide to Play Great Poker’ helps you identify and analyse these factors, apply them to game situations, and gain confidence in any poker scenario. Instead of providing occasional rules, this book guides you to become a strategic poker thinker. Contrary to popular belief, poker’s goal isn’t to make money, but to make good decisions. Money is just a measure of how well you’re achieving this. Ready to make world-class decisions and reap their rewards? Choose to Play Great Poker now and never be puzzled by “it depends” again.

Treat Your Poker Like a Business offers insights and strategies for poker players to approach the game with an entrepreneurial mindset rather, than just a casual pastime. This guide covers aspects of poker including effective bankroll management, smart game selection maintaining mental and emotional control and planning for long term success. Drawing from his career as a professional player Schmidt generously shares his experiences and knowledge to help fellow players optimize their potential and profits. The book emphasizes the significance of discipline, work and adopting a business oriented approach in order to thrive amidst competition, within professional circles. It caters to both players who aspire to elevate their game to new heights while considering poker as a viable source of income.

This book is the ultimate guide for anyone aiming to excel in these games, catering to both the average player and the professional. It is structured in a way that promotes growth and improvement in all players. The book imparts the mindset of a top player, a crucial element for victory. It covers a wide range of topics such as poker reasons, basic errors and strategies, technical and advanced plays, jackpot games, pot killing, psychology, game theory, high-draw mathematics. It also offers advice on avoiding bluffing mistakes, value betting in lowball, making losing bets profitable, playing patterns, going all in, acting contrary, “running bad,” raising with weak hands, maximizing value, playing short-handed, and image plays.

Beyond Tells is about understanding and mastering the psychological aspects of poker. Tells are the subtle cues and behaviors that players exhibit at the table, often unconsciously, that can reveal information about their hand or their intentions. The book aims to help players improve their poker game by teaching them how to read their opponents’ tells, control their own tells, and use this information to make better decisions at the table. It covers topics such as body language, betting patterns, and emotional control, and provides practical advice and strategies for incorporating these psychological elements into one’s poker game.

Poker, with its simple rules yet complex gameplay, has evolved far beyond a casual pastime for four friends around a table. With more than ten million players competing daily online, it has become a global phenomenon involving millions of dollars at stake. This reference book offers a comprehensive look at its history, legendary players, and the psychology behind the game. It covers everything from cheating, money, and casinos to rules, tournaments, movies, and championships. Additionally, it explores the impact of the Internet on poker and includes a dictionary of terms. The author, an expert teacher and consultant to professional players, provides detailed analysis and astute tips aimed at turning each reader into a winner. Whether you’re interested in the technical mastery required, the ability to anticipate and synthesize data, or just a dash of psychology and luck, this book has all you’ve ever wanted to know about the most practiced table sport in the world.

Vorhaus teaches you how to play smart, fearless hold’em and turn every session into a winner. Through problem-solving exercises and drills, he shows you how to read other players’ tells, exploit their flaws, and close the holes in your game. Learn to attack new players before they get comfortable, use a “fakiac” image to appear like a maniac even when you’re not, and capitalize on the mistakes of others. Additionally, discover how to profit from loose raises, avoid loose calls, and effectively handle super-aggressive players.