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In our previous post we discussed the importance of reading poker books in order to hone our Texas Holdem or PLO skills. So here is another book worth considering: Improve Your Poker by Bob Ciaffone. Here is a quick review of this poker skill enhancing reading.

Many professional players swear by this book and it is easy to understand why. Ciaffone, an accomplished chess player and author, is a long time pro himself with years of experience at many forms of poker.

His views on playing take the reader into the mind of a professional and shed light on the thought processes that go into every decision an elite player has to make. He goes so far as to relate actual hands he has played throughout his career, including the final table of the 1987 World Series of Poker, where he took 3rd place.

Though there is some discussion of strategy in various games, money management, table image, and moving up in limits, Ciaffone’s focus is on the player as a whole. The book is full of information about how top players look at the game and the techniques they employ when they play it. Players of any skill level will find this book helpful, and reading it will help to do just what the title says.

Yes it is crucial to read some poker books in order to improve your game and nowadays there are no pros who reached the top of the poker scene without reading a few books on poker strategy and techniques. In fact many of the top pros have written one of more poker books, but this would be the next level in mastering the game. If you are new to the game or even an intermediate player, have a look at this book by Bob Ciaffone, it cannot hurt. Or check Amazon for their list of poker bestsellers. You can then play some online poker and immediately apply the tips you just learned.

Poker has experienced an unprecedented surge of popularity over the past few years with Texas hold’em leading the way. Each spring, the World Series of Poker breaks its own record for the number of entries and casinos across the continent have found themselves scurrying to find enough space to meet the ever increasing demand.

Internet poker has exploded, with recreational and professional players both taking advantage of the online convenience. Poker on television, once thought of as an impossible sell, has become a ratings grabbing reality. Poker is booming.

This boom, of course, means that more and more people with an interest in the game are playing poker for the first time. It also means that there are more books than ever being offered to the beginner with tips on game selection, strategy, rules, and etiquette. Though the titles are numerous, many books deal with the same subject material presented in different ways. Some are better written and easier to understand than others.

Whether you’re new to the poker scene and looking for some informative selections to help you get up to speed, or you want to improve your game and make some money, you may find the following book worth reading: Poker for Dummies – Richard D. Harroch & Lou Krieger

Don’t let the title fool you. This book is full of smart information for the poker newbie that is easy to comprehend, but there is information in here that almost any player could find useful. Chapter by chapter, it deals with topics like casino rules, internet play, rules and procedures, money management, and of course, poker (not just Texas hold’em, but also seven card stud and Omaha – both straight high and hi-lo).

Each game is presented in a clear and concise manner. The authors take great care in discussing starting hand selection, betting strategies, and play throughout the hand, including explanations for why certain plays are better than others. There are even chapters devoted to bluffing, tournament play, reading your opponent, and keys to successful poker. With so much information so well presented in one book, this pick makes for a perfect all around poker primer.