Hi all
I know how to play texas hold 'em, but I really want to lift my game.
Can you recommenend some decent books on the subject?
Thanks
Major
ps: Sorry, yes I do know this is a BJ forum...lol
https://secure.bj21.com/order/order1.htm#poker
Also look at King Yao's book: Weighing the Odds in Hold'em Poker also in the catalog, but in a different spot.
The Theory of Poker is an excellent choice to learn about poker in general terms.
Most Hold em books are the same, BUT its important to know what style of hold em do you want.
Limit Hold em - Starting hands are different and are played differently than NL or PL.
NL or PL Hold em Cash Game - Also played differently than tournament NL Hold em
Tournament Hold em - A whole different series of books on the subject.
Also to raise your game you need to learn Omaha Hi and Hi/Low. These games will teach you to really pay attention to tells because someone is always going to have the hand so you'll know exactly what types of attitudes to look for when playing other games. Also you read the board a little differently so it keeps you awake and paying attention.
After you play the game for a few years and read all the books, consider this.
Howard 'Hughes Hawthorne of Low-Ball fame, and Mike Caro of California draw, were and still are considered the best at those games.
At one time Vegas spread Lowball and Draw in almost every club, but the same skillful old timers were winning all the loot.
Read how the best Hold'em players: Johnny Moss, Amirillo Slim, Bobby 'Owl' Baldrin, Doyle Brunsen, and a slough of others have all been busted and broke several times over at playing the best limits as the 'world's best players'.
Then think why is Mike Caro not playing anymore and writting and teaching; he knows hold'em is a sucker's game in the mathematical statistical long-haul.
Ever wonder why the casinos are pushing Hold'em so hard on T.V. and such?
It's a tourist game, and sooner or latter playing as best you can, keeping a diary or journal for 5-10 years, you'll know why they spread hold'em and Draw and Lowball are not wanted in the gambling scene any longer!
Ask the regulars in Binions in Vegas about how well all those top Hold'em players are doing. They make it because someone backs their action for a percentage and stay in hock or pawn; read 'POKER FACES'.
Ever considered Pai-Gow or Baccarat; they have slim odds to come out ahead also?
