Bookstoread.org does not encourage gambling of any kind, but if you are going to play poker then it makes a lot of sense to find out more about the game you are playing. Poker is not the game that is presented in many films- where actors seem to draw a royal flush out of nowhere, it is a game of statistics as well as one of skill. Poker books will teach you about some of the strategies used by professional poker players, including important tips such as how to bluff effectively and the subtleties of the different kinds of poker.

Being better than most at poker is a fun skill to have, as if you have a game with friends or family, you should be able to beat them over a decent number of hands. Understanding the statistics behind different card combinations is very important; as it can help you know when to call a raise and when to fold. Alternatively, as well as finding poker books that teach you how to play, you can read poker books for entertainment that recount some of the great high stakes games of all times and how players won and lost. Professional poker players have often had incredibly interesting lives, and the game has attracted some brilliant characters and as a result some of these books are really gripping and entertaining. Here are some books that you might find interesting:

Deal Me In: Twenty of the World's Top Poker Players Share the Heartbreaking and Inspiring Stories of How They Turned Pro by Marvin Karlins and Stephen John

This book tells the story of twenty of the worlds top poker players, and how their poker playing careers have unfolded. The characters in the book make it a really interesting read and it is also a good read for someone interested in improving their game, as it allows you to learn from the experiences and reflections of some of the worlds best.

Caro’s Book Of Poker Tells by Mike Carro

A “tell” in poker is the physical reaction that a player makes according to his cards. Some of the very best poker players are brilliant at reading their opponents just as much as they are good at playing their own hand. Being able to gauge the strength of an opponents hand based upon their reactions is useful trick for a poker player to develop- whether it is eye contact, twitching, shaking or shrugs, learning to interpret when these mannerisms are genuine and when they aren’t is a vital skill.

The Mathematics of Poker by Bill Chen and Jerrod Ankenmen

Although it is much more interesting to talk of poker as a game of skill and the ability to read the body language of opponents, arguably most people will benefit far more by understanding the mathematics behind a poker hand. Ultimately it is a game of odds, and this book uses mathematical techniques to challenge plenty of traditional poker techniques.