June 16, 2022
Best Books for Learning Texas Hold’em
- The best books for learning Texas Hold’em include guides for beginners and experienced players.
- Many poker theory writers, including Alton Hardin, John Little, and Ed Miller, have published multiple books on Texas Hold’em strategy and gameplay.
- Some of the most important topics explored in the best books on Texas Hold’em include game theory optimal play, poker psychology, and reading hands.
Texas Hold’em is one of the most popular forms of poker. It’s relatively easy to pick up the game, but it’s definitely a challenge to master the skills you need to win and win consistently. Sure, you’ve been watching WSOP on TV since Chris Moneymaker upset the game in 2003. But it can be intimidating to take a seat at the table when you have little or no experience actually playing the game. And it can be frustrating to have a few years of experience but not grow as a player.
But there are plenty of ways to learn how to play Texas Hold’em or get through a strategy plateau. You have your choice of hundreds of poker theory books that break down every piece of the game and winning strategies. Not all poker books are created equal, especially ones meant for beginner and novice players. That’s why we’ve made this list of the 35 best books for learning how to play Texas Hold’em.
Must-Read Books on Poker Theory
You’ll see many repeating names on this list, so you might want to start with their guides first. But, you can also work your way down the list and learn a little bit of each pro’s approach to the game.
Here is our definitive list of the best books for learning poker:
- Applications of No-Limit Hold’em by Matthew Janda
- The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky
- Essential Poker Math by Alton Hardin
- Reading Poker Tells by Zachary Elwood
- Every Hand Revealed by Gus Hanson
- Excelling at No-Limit Hold’em by Jonathan Little
- Strategies for Beating Small Stakes Poker Tournaments by Jonathan Little
- Harrington on Hold ’em by Dan Harrington
- Getting Started in Hold ’Em by Edward Miller
- Master Micro Stakes Poker by Alton Hardin
- Small Stakes Hold ’em by Ed Miller and David Sklansky
- Poker Workbook Math & Preflop by James Sweeney
- Exploitative Play in Live Poker by Alexander Fitzgerald
- Modern Poker Theory by Michale Acevedo
- Optimizing Ace-King by Adam Jones and James Sweeney
- Winning Low Limit Hold’em by Lee Jones
- Secrets of Professional Tournament Poker by Jonathan Little
- The Myth of Poker Talent by Alexander Fitzgerald
- Playing the Player by Ed Miller
- The Course: Serious Hold ’Em Strategy for Smart Players by Ed Miller
- Poker Math That Matters by Owen Gaines
- Kill Everyone by Lee Nelson
- Elements of Poker by Tommy Angelo
- Phil Gordon’s Little Green Book by Phil Gordon
- Phil Gordon’s Little Blue Book by Phil Gordon
- Poker: The Real Deal by Phil Gordon and Jonathan Grotenstein
- Mastering Small Stakes No-Limit Hold’em by Jonathan Little
- Moorman’s Book of Poker by Chris Moorman
- Winning Poker Tournaments One Hand at a Time by Eric Lynch
- Sit ‘n Go Strategy by Collin Moshman
- Hole Card Confessions by Owen Gaines
- Harrington on Cash Games by Dan Harrington
- The Raiser’s Edge by Bertrand Grospellier
- The Mental Game of Poker by Jared Tendler
- Caro’s Book of Poker Tells by Mike Caro
Top 15 Books for Learning Texas Hold’em
Let’s break down what makes our top 15 books for learning to play Texas Hold’em stand out from the crowd:
15. Optimizing Ace-King: The Right Strategy for Playing Poker’s Most Complex Starting Hand
Written By: Adam Jones and James Sweeney
Image via Amazon
Both Adam Jones and James “SplitSuit” Sweeney are experienced poker players and coaches. Jones has authored multiple educational guides across many trusted poker sites, and Sweeney has two coaching sites, SplitSuit.com and RedChip.com. So it should come as no surprise that their book Optimizing Ace-King should be on our list. After all, this book is a critical read for any Texas Hold’em player who needs a leg up on approaching this tricky starting hand.
Optimizing Ace-King breaks down how to make this hand work for you in a variety of situations based on your position, each stage of the community cards, your opponents’ play styles, and more. This guide includes sample hands with visuals as well as strategic tables to give you the odds for practically any Ace-King situation you might face.
Where to Buy: SplitSuit.com, Amazon
14. Modern Poker Theory: Building an Unbeatable Strategy Based on GTO Principles
Written By: Michael Acevedo
Image via Amazon
Michael Acevedo is a math whiz and poker pro who teaches novice and experienced players alike to use game theory optimal (GTO) play in Texas Hold’em. This analytical approach to poker can help you make smarter, more logical decisions that improve your skills and increase your winnings.
It’s a very math-heavy text with information based on Acevedo’s research using poker software. He explains basic and advanced concepts about the probability of pre- and post-flop decisions, bet sizing, and reading hands. But the style of Modern Poker Theory is very down to earth, so even if you have little experience with the game, you’ll catch on.
Where to Buy: Amazon, D+B Poker
13. Exploitative Play in Live Poker: How to Manipulate Your Opponents Into Making Mistakes
Written By: Alexander Fitzgerald
Image via Amazon
Alexander Fitzgerald is a poker coach who has created hours of video content on applying poker theory at the table. In Exploitative Play, Fitzgerald explores the psychology of poker to give you actionable strategies to get into other players’ minds. In addition to psyching people out, you’ll also understand key strategies for exploiting these situations and come out on top. If you’re playing with friends in a home game or hitting the tables at a brick-and-mortar casino, this Fitzgerald-penned guide is a must-read.
Where to Buy: Amazon, D+B Poker
12. Poker Workbook: Math & Preflop
Written By: James Sweeney
Image via CardPlayerLifestyle.com
James Sweeney has penned many books on his own, and this one is one of his most unique. As the title suggests, it’s a workbook where you get to apply mathematical reasoning to the game of Texas Hold’em. Sweeney breaks down concepts like range building, pot odds, implied odds, expected value, pre-flop all-ins, and more. Then, you complete exercises in the book to practice your new mathematical skills.
You don’t need to be great at math to use the Poker Workbook, but you will need to use certain software (like Equilab, Flopzilla Pro, or PokerCruncher). You don’t need to be into playing live poker, either — Sweeney includes examples relevant to online poker, too. Plus, it was published in 2020, so the exercises apply the most up-to-date poker theories.
Combine this with his Postflop Poker Workbook that helps you analyze decisions after the community cards start turning as well as other workbooks in the series for full-game theory and practice.
Where to Buy: Amazon, SplitSuit.com
11: Small Stakes Hold’em: Winning Big With Expert Play
Written By: Ed Miller, David Sklansky, and Mason Malmuth
Image via Google Books
Get used to seeing these authors’ names on the list because they are some of the most prolific poker theory writers out there. David Sklansky wrote the book on fundamental poker theory, the principles on which other theorists build their content. Ed Miller is another poker pro who has written numerous books for beginners and experienced players alike, and he’s also a regular contributor and co-owner (with James Sweeney no less) of Red Chip Poker. Mason Malmuth has published numerous volumes of poker theory through his company, Two Plus Two Publishing.
Don’t let the title of Small Stakes Hold ’em fool you — it’s a book for beginner players looking to learn the math, probability, and decision-making skills behind the game and make the most of low-stakes poker. You get to explore concepts like speculative hands, positions, and betting strategies for every stage. You can develop an aggressive play style that can help you crush small-stakes games and take the quizzes to see what you’ve learned. Though it’s an older book, published in 2004, the straightforward language and theory still hold up.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
10. Master Micro Stakes Poker: Learn to Master 6-Max No Limit Hold’em Micro Stakes Cash Games
Written By: Alton Hardin
Image via Amazon
Alton Hardin is the founder of MicroGrinder Poker School, an online poker coaching site with courses, individualized training, and tools to help you maximize micro stakes poker games. You may be playing these as a beginner or using them as a training ground to test out new skills. Either way, Master Micro Stakes Poker teaches you the reasons why people (including you) lose at poker. Then, you’ll get into the fundamentals of the game before learning pre- and post-flop strategies through numerous micro stakes game examples.
9. Getting Started in Hold ’Em
Written By: Ed Miller
Image via Amazon
As the title suggests, Miller’s Getting Started in Hold ’Em is a beginner-focused theory book that provides training in the fundamentals of the game, including how to play and how to win. Some concepts you’ll explore include semi-bluffing, free card plays, chip valuation in tournaments, and a lot more. Plus, you get to learn about No-Limit, Limit, and Tournament Hold’em, thanks to chapters dedicated to studying each. But what makes this beginner’s guide stand out from the others is Miller’s impressive experience going from novice to pro in just 18 months.
Where to Buy: Amazon, ThriftBooks
8. Harrington on Hold’em: Expert Strategy for No Limit Tournaments
Written By: Dan Harrington
Image via Amazon
Dan Harrington holds two WSOP bracelets, has won more than $6 million in tournament money, and has authored multiple books on Texas Hold’em. This text is one of three volumes in which he walks readers through key strategies for multiple play styles, including his own aggressive approach.
Harrington on Hold ’em provides critical information about adjusting your strategy to face different kinds of opponents, including passive and assertive types. You also learn how to play at each blind level and use certain starting hands to your advantage. What’s more, the book is conveniently separated into sections dedicated to studying pre-flop, flop, turn, and river stages of each hand. We recommend any and all of his three volumes.
Where to Buy: Amazon
7. Strategies for Beating Small Stakes Poker Tournaments
Written By: Jonathan Little
Image via Amazon
Jonathan Little is another name you’re going to see on this list multiple times. That’s because Little has been named World Poker Tour Player of the Year and has used his years of experience playing and analyzing Texas Hold’em to create some of the best poker theory content on the market. He’s got a podcast, a YouTube channel, poker coaching courses, and, of course, multiple books.
Strategies for Beating Small Stakes Poker Tournaments is one of his best guides for beginners since it helps you master poker skills without having to risk a lot of money at the table. He knows how beginners think, so he breaks down myths about luck and teaches you how to adapt to aggressive and passive players. Little’s information is so actionable, you can apply it right away.
Where to Buy: Amazon
6. Excelling at No-Limit Hold’em: Leading Poker Experts Discuss How to Study, Play, and Master NLHE
Written By: Jonathan Little
Image via Amazon
This is another important guide from Little, though he’s not the only contributor. Excelling at No-Limit Hold’em is actually a collection of actionable advice and strategic examples from 17 other pros, like Phil Helmuth, Chris Moneymaker, Jared Tendler, and more. The book is divided into three sections:
- Part 1 focuses on teaching the fundamentals and understanding different types of play.
- Part 2 is where these pros get into the nitty-gritty of the game, exploring range analysis, GTO play, and final table strategy.
- Part 3 helps you develop the mental fortitude and focus you need to overcome your opponents.
Where to Buy: Amazon
5. Every Hand Revealed
Written By: Gus Hansen
Image via Amazon
Gus Hansen was one of the premier Texas Hold’em players during the game’s renaissance in the 2000s. The “Great Dane” was an excellent bluffer and his choices made others think he was being reckless with the game. But his unpredictability is what made him such a fierce opponent.
Get inside Hansen’s brain during some of the most pivotal hands he’s ever played. In this book, he breaks down the strategy and reasoning for every choice he made in over 300 different hands against some of the world’s best players. It’s a fascinating book with some really great insights for players looking to improve their ability to make big, yet logical, moves.
Where to Buy: ThriftBooks, Amazon
4. Reading Poker Tells
Written By: Zachary Elwood
Image via Amazon
Zachary Elwood studies and coaches players on the psychology of poker. He has coached players for both the WPT and WSOP tournaments, and his main focus is on identifying and exploiting physical tells. This is his first book, though it’s still considered (by pros like Ed Miller and Mason Malmuth) to be the best text on the subject.
You get a full breakdown of obvious and subtle signs, situations where players may show their tells, verbal and other physical signs to look out for, and ways to use these signs to make important decisions that help you win the game. It’s a fantastic read for beginners and experienced players who want to better spot others’ tells and shield their own. Pair it with Elwood’s other books on the subject, Verbal Poker Tells and Exploiting Poker Tells.
Where to Buy: Amazon, ReadingPokerTells.com
3. Essential Poker Math: Fundamental No-Limit Hold’em Mathematics You Need to Know (Expanded Edition)
Written By: Alton Hardin
Image via Amazon
With so many books on the mathematical side of Texas Hold’em strategy, Hardin’s Essential Poker Math really stands out as a beginner’s guide. He takes a really simple approach to what could become overly complicated gibberish about formulas. All you need is the basic math skills from middle school to apply mathematical theory to your poker gameplay. This book focuses on probabilities and odds in no-limit Hold’em and features helpful demonstrations that walk you through sample hands.
Where to Buy: Amazon
2. The Theory of Poker: A Professional Poker Player Teaches You How to Think Like One
Written By: David Sklansky
Image via Amazon
As we mentioned before, Sklansky wrote the seminal text on poker theory that many pros use in their own gameplay and build upon in their own theoretical guides. The Theory of Poker was published in the ‘80s, but much of the information is timeless. Sure, the sample hands are a bit outdated, but you can’t beat Sklansky’s exploration of analytical and exploitative play styles and in-depth breakdowns of Texas Hold’em (and other forms of poker). If you’re new to mathematical analysis, consider reading it before getting into GTO and other more intensive approaches to the game.
Where to Buy: Amazon
1. Applications of No-Limit Hold’em: A Guide to Understanding Theoretical Sound Poker
Written By: Matthew Janda
Image via Amazon
Matthew Janda has had some seriously great success in the online poker scene, thanks to his “theoretically sound” approach to the game. It’s in Applications of No-Limit Hold ’em that Janda describes his poker theory regarding bet sizing for every hand in your range. He provides some seriously in-depth analysis with a lot of examples, which helps you understand how to identify the right, logical choices in certain situations and why these choices are the most profitable.
Janda’s book may not be for every beginner. If you’re really good at math but have little experience playing Texas Hold’em, then this book may be an easier read. Those who aren’t as mathematically inclined should consider simpler approaches before diving into Janda’s guide.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Practice Makes Perfect
Put your study and training to the test by playing Texas Hold’em at one of your favorite online casinos in New Jersey. You can even find live dealer tables to get the feeling of a brick-and-mortar casino in the comfort of your own home. Check out our reviews of online NJ casinos to find your practice arena.
