Poker Books - Part 1: Your First Poker Book

A good introductory poker book can really help a new player. Even if you have played for a while without reading a poker book, one of these is your best bet.

Getting Started in Holdem, Ed Miller
New in 2005 and is the new BEST introductory poker book. Covers the basics in a clear manner and has chapters on whats really important. Material in this book that is NOT in other beginner books. Covers Limit and NL cash games -- and various tournament formats.

Winning Low Limit Holdem, Lee Jones
Historically the most popular starter book. Be sure to get the revised, Second or Third edition. This work will cover all the basics and plug the major leaks in a new players game. This book may turn you from a loser into a small winner in the low stakes public cardroom games.

Holdem Poker, David Sklansky
The first really good Holdem book. Originally written in the mid 1970s. Be sure to get the revised edition from 1997. Sklansky isn't the easiest poker author to read (and also, sometimes way too theoretical and lacking in examples) but he does have the best material. You will probably reading some other Sklansky books later. Do NOT start with his similarly titled book - Holdem Poker FOR ADVANCED PLAYERS" yet. Thats one you will be reading later.

Internet Texas Holdem, Matt Hilger
New in 2004 and got lots of good reviews. Most think this is a better work than WLLH. Its directed at new players and is NOT only about playing on the internet.

Holdem Excellence, Lou Krieger
Krieger is a better writer than most poker player/authors. The material is well presented and easy to understand. some question parts of his technical and strategy advice. some others love this book.


Be careful about which poker books you do start with or get for others. Many will be way too advanced. Others will contain WRONG information. Any of the above 5 will be fine to start.