Here are 100 books that The Mental Game of Poker 2 fans have personally recommended if you like The Mental Game of Poker 2. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of Modern Poker Theory: Building an Unbeatable Strategy Based on GTO Principles

Alton Hardin Author Of Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition: Fundamental No Limit Hold'em Mathematics You Need To Know

From my list on poker every serious poker play should read.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m the founder and lead instructor at MicroGrinder Poker School, arguably, the most prominent micro stakes poker school, and I’m fascinated by poker. I started playing poker as a hobby, and it soon became an obsession. I delved into poker theory, seeking to understand the game’s nuances. And as my game improved, I wanted to share my success with others. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, so I started MicroGrinder Poker School. Between my best-selling poker books and 35+ courses, I’ve helped over 80,000 poker players improve their poker game drastically.

Alton's book list on poker every serious poker play should read

Alton Hardin Why Alton loves this book

Modern Poker Theory is the go-to GTO-based poker book. This is a must-read for poker players playing the toughest games in the world, where their opponents are employing unbeatable strategies and GTO. But be forewarned, this is not a book for novices or beginners—only serious poker players! There’s a reason this book is a perennial bestseller since it was released; it’s that good.

By Michael Acevendo ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Modern Poker Theory as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Modern Poker Theory is a comprehensive, rigorous guide to the most important aspects of No-Limit Hold'em. It is based around an in-depth examination of what is meant by game theory optimal play (GTO) and how it can be applied at the table. Understanding GTO is fundamental to being able to make accurate poker decisions and being able to exploit players who don't.

Modern Poker Theory uses modern poker tools to develop a systematic approach to the analysis of GTO. It organizes the ideas and concepts in an intuitive manner that is totally focused to practical applications.

Next time you are…


If you love The Mental Game of Poker 2...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of Dynamic Full Ring Poker: Beyond The Basics

Alton Hardin Author Of Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition: Fundamental No Limit Hold'em Mathematics You Need To Know

From my list on poker every serious poker play should read.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m the founder and lead instructor at MicroGrinder Poker School, arguably, the most prominent micro stakes poker school, and I’m fascinated by poker. I started playing poker as a hobby, and it soon became an obsession. I delved into poker theory, seeking to understand the game’s nuances. And as my game improved, I wanted to share my success with others. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, so I started MicroGrinder Poker School. Between my best-selling poker books and 35+ courses, I’ve helped over 80,000 poker players improve their poker game drastically.

Alton's book list on poker every serious poker play should read

Alton Hardin Why Alton loves this book

James Splitsuit Sweeney is a household name for serious poker players and a prolific poker author. His first book, Dynamic Full Ring Poker is a must-read. This book goes into great depth, covering all of the fundamental concepts any serious poker player should master, discussing essential pre-flop and post-flop strategies and scenarios in detail.

By James Sweeney ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dynamic Full Ring Poker as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

More than anything else, the hallmark of a great poker player is his ability to read hands and to adapt his play accordingly.

From Dynamic Full Ring Poker, YOU WILL LEARN:

• How to hand read better by following CardRunners coach James “SplitSuit” Sweeney’s hand reading tactics

• How to estimate your opponents’ hand ranges

• How to exploit your opponents and their likely holdings

• How to profitably c-bet, lead, raise, float, double-barrel, check-raise

• How to profile your opponent in a few seconds

• How to calculate the expected value of your play

• How to correctly 3-bet…


Book cover of The Grinder's Manual: A Complete Course in Online No Limit Holdem 6-Max Cash Games

Alton Hardin Author Of Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition: Fundamental No Limit Hold'em Mathematics You Need To Know

From my list on poker every serious poker play should read.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m the founder and lead instructor at MicroGrinder Poker School, arguably, the most prominent micro stakes poker school, and I’m fascinated by poker. I started playing poker as a hobby, and it soon became an obsession. I delved into poker theory, seeking to understand the game’s nuances. And as my game improved, I wanted to share my success with others. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, so I started MicroGrinder Poker School. Between my best-selling poker books and 35+ courses, I’ve helped over 80,000 poker players improve their poker game drastically.

Alton's book list on poker every serious poker play should read

Alton Hardin Why Alton loves this book

If you haven’t read The Grinder’s Manual, you need to. It should be a staple book in your poker library that you review and reference on a regular basis if you want to beat tough games. Peter Clarke does do an excellent job of breaking down the theory of the game, and highlighting strategies for beating low-stakes online cash games.

By Peter Clarke ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Grinder's Manual as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Grinder's Manual is a 540 page highly theoretical textbook in Online No Limit Holdem Cash Games. It contains 80 colourfully illustrated instructive figures and 152 carefully chosen example hands that are analysed in great detail. This Manual is designed to teach all levels from near beginner to seasoned player. The book is very progressive with a steep incline in complexity throughout its 14 chapters.

Peter (Carroters) Clarke, who is a very well respected instructor on various poker training sites, has been teaching online poker for the last six years and has finally compiled his knowledge into one huge, but…


If you love Jared Tendler...

Ad

Book cover of Trusting Her Duke

Trusting Her Duke by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke with rigid opinions, a Lady whose beliefs conflict with his, a long disputed parcel of land, a conniving neighbour, a desperate collaboration, a failure of trust, a love found despite it all.

Alexander Cavendish, Duke of Ravensworth, returned from war to find that his father and brother had…

Book cover of No-Limit Hold 'em For Advanced Players

Alton Hardin Author Of Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition: Fundamental No Limit Hold'em Mathematics You Need To Know

From my list on poker every serious poker play should read.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m the founder and lead instructor at MicroGrinder Poker School, arguably, the most prominent micro stakes poker school, and I’m fascinated by poker. I started playing poker as a hobby, and it soon became an obsession. I delved into poker theory, seeking to understand the game’s nuances. And as my game improved, I wanted to share my success with others. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, so I started MicroGrinder Poker School. Between my best-selling poker books and 35+ courses, I’ve helped over 80,000 poker players improve their poker game drastically.

Alton's book list on poker every serious poker play should read

Alton Hardin Why Alton loves this book

As you move up in stakes, whether that be live or online, you need to start developing an understanding of game theory. Matthew Janda, an excellent theoretical mind in poker, wrote this book for just that reason—to analyze and discuss poker from a game theory perspective using PokerSnowie and PioSOLVER. If you’re just starting out with game theory optimal (GTO) play, this should be one of your first reads.

By Matthew Janda ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked No-Limit Hold 'em For Advanced Players as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In 2003 poker was put on television and no-limit hold em quickly became the most popular form of poker played in casinos, public cardrooms, and on the Internet. At first, because of the newness of the game to most participants, they could be easily be beaten by players with only a moderate knowledge of sophisticated strategy. But today, this is no longer the case.

Even though no-limit hold em is not, from a Game Theory perspective, a solved game, many ideas and concepts which come from this branch of mathematics now play an important role in a strong, winning no-limit…


Book cover of Reading Poker Tells

Jared Tendler Author Of The Mental Game of Poker: Proven Strategies for Improving Tilt Control, Confidence, Motivation, Coping with Variance, and More

From my list on poker that every player needs to read.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a leading expert in how your mental game impacts performance. For over a decade I’ve coached hundreds of poker players, including some of the best players in the world. My clients include numerous bracelet winners at the World Series of Poker, and winners of other major titles. I have a passion for helping players become great, and many of them have climbed the ranks to become among of the best in the world. Whatever you aspire to in poker, whether it’s making some money off your friends or competing in the WSOP, be sure to pick up the books I’ve recommended—they can make a big difference! 

Jared's book list on poker that every player needs to read

Jared Tendler Why Jared loves this book

Amateur players think tells are the biggest part of poker when in fact they are the most exaggerated aspect of poker strategy and the least important part of the modern game. Tells are, however, still a genuine part of the game and this is a fantastic introduction to them. Amateur players would still be better off working on the fundamentals first but this is an excellent addition to the bookshelf of a more seasoned player.

By Zachary Elwood ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Reading Poker Tells as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Reading Poker Tells has been called the best book on poker tells by many players, both amateur and professional. The book catalogues many of the most common poker-related behavioral patterns and gives psychological explanations for why these patterns exist. More importantly, the book gives a mental framework for analyzing and remembering poker tells. It also contains tips for deceiving and manipulating opponents, and methods for staying unreadable.

The author's blog and ebook are available at ReadingPokerTells.com.

REVIEWS

"Reading Poker Tells is one of the most helpful poker books I've ever read."                    
            - Andrew Brokos, pro player, author of Thinking Poker…


Book cover of The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win

Art Weinstein Author Of Superior Customer Value

From my list on how to build a successful business venture.

Why am I passionate about this?

I study and share winning marketing practices. My passion is making organizations better by utilizing precision segmentation strategies and creating superior customer value. Like most successful entrepreneurs, I wear many hats and juggle many ventures. I am a marketing professor, market researcher, business scholar, book author, case writer, blogmaster, speaker, and strategic consultant. Most of my work focuses on entrepreneurial businesses, information-based organizations, service firms, and technology and Now Economy companies. I am always searching for and thinking about the latest/greatest keys to business success. I work with future leaders to build, manage, and improve marketing operations in the great enterprises of today and tomorrow.

Art's book list on how to build a successful business venture

Art Weinstein Why Art loves this book

The author has a doctorate in psychology but chose a most unusual route to success and fortune. Rather than pursuing a traditional career in academia or medical practice, Dr. Konnikova became a superstar in the exciting and glamorous world of high-stakes poker.

This is a fascinating and intriguing story of how a card-playing novice learned the inside tricks and tactics from an incredible mentor. Read about how she used superior intellect, strategic decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to learn what it takes to climb to the top of the professional gambling arena.

By Maria Konnikova ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Biggest Bluff as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A New York Times bestseller * A New York Times Notable Book

"The tale of how Konnikova followed a story about poker players and wound up becoming a story herself will have you riveted, first as you learn about her big winnings, and then as she conveys the lessons she learned both about human nature and herself." -The Washington Post

It's true that Maria Konnikova had never actually played poker before and didn't even know the rules when she approached Erik Seidel, Poker Hall of Fame inductee and winner of tens of millions of dollars in earnings, and convinced him…


If you love The Mental Game of Poker 2...

Ad

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of Defusing American Anger: A Guide to Understanding Our Fellow Citizens and Reducing Us-vs-Them Polarization

Daniel F. Stone Author Of Undue Hate: A Behavioral Economic Analysis of Hostile Polarization in US Politics and Beyond

From my list on understanding and defusing political polarization in America.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been doing research on polarization for most of my career as an economist and have focused on affective polarization in US politics since 2015. As a behavioral economist, I’m interested in how false and biased beliefs contribute to affective polarization. As a microeconomist I’m also generally interested in economy—not “the economy,” but the efficient use of resources—and affective polarization leads to a lot of wasted time and resources. This happens in politics at all levels, and in relationships of all types—neighbors, colleagues, spouses, siblings—as we all know from experience. So, I’m hoping to try to understand this bias better and cut down on it where we can.

Daniel's book list on understanding and defusing political polarization in America

Daniel F. Stone Why Daniel loves this book

This book is quite different from the others on my list in that the author is a total outsider to politics: Elwood is a former professional poker player.

But it’s the book that resonates with me the most as it directly makes the case that affective polarization is bad for the country and is to a large extent misguided—and citizens across the spectrum should actively try to overcome and fight it. Elwood writes informally and engagingly while still referring to tons of academic research and tackling many thorny recent issues in detail.

If there was one book that I would ask my most polarized fellow Americans to read carefully this would probably be it. Poker champs tend to be astute observers of human psychology—think Annie Duke and Maria Konnikova—and Elwood maintains this tradition. 

By Zachary Elwood ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Defusing American Anger as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This is a book about our American divides by Zachary Elwood, host of the psychology podcast People Who Read People. Learn more about this book and its author at www.American-Anger.com.

"I can’t think of anyone I’ve seen who better practices what they preach, who better lives their ideals about depolarization. His book has an earnest, vulnerable, plainspoken style which parallels his speaking style in his podcast. He seems throughout to anticipate negative reactions from readers on both the left and the right..." - from a review by David Foster at KnowTheSystem.org

America is deeply divided. We don't just disagree on…


Book cover of People Skills for Analytical Thinkers

Jeremy Adamson Author Of Minding the Machines: Building and Leading Data Science and Analytics Teams

From my list on for data science and analytics leaders.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a leader in analytics and AI strategy, and have a broad range of experience in aviation, energy, financial services, and the public sector.  I have worked with several major organizations to help them establish a leadership position in data science and to unlock real business value using advanced analytics. 

Jeremy's book list on for data science and analytics leaders

Jeremy Adamson Why Jeremy loves this book

Since data science is, at its core, people helping people make decisions, it is essential that we can establish productive relationships with our stakeholders. This is a skill that needs to be given the same level of effort as we give to coding or statistics. Gilbert’s book is a great resource to help technically oriented people to advance their people skills.

By Gilbert Eijkelenboom ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked People Skills for Analytical Thinkers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"For the engineer, scientist, or technology professional seeking to communicate better in the business world, this is the book you've been craving your entire career!" ”
— Douglas Laney, Innovation Fellow, West Monroe, and best-selling author of "Infonomics"

Your analytical skills are incredibly valuable. However, rational thinking alone isn’t enough.

Have you ever: Presented an idea, but then no one seemed to care? Explained your analysis, only to leave your colleague confused? Struggled to work with people who are less analytical and more emotional?

In these situations, people skills make the difference, and research shows these skills are becoming increasingly…


Book cover of Million Dollar Video Poker

Arnold Snyder Author Of Radical Blackjack

From my list on those contemplating gambling as a profession.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a mailman when I became obsessed with card counting at blackjack. Not having enough money to play at a pro level, I decided to sell a mathematical formula I’d devised for evaluating games and systems. I offered it for sale through gambling newsletters at $100. I immediately had big sales because no one had ever seen a method for estimating card counters’ win rates. I got letters from college math professors asking me how I’d come up with the math. So, I started my own blackjack newsletter where I published my discoveries. I was inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame in 2002 and soon had big investors funding my play.

Arnold's book list on those contemplating gambling as a profession

Arnold Snyder Why Arnold loves this book

The four areas of a Las Vegas casino where you’d be likely to find the most professional gamblers would be the poker room, the blackjack pits, the race and sports book, and the video poker machines. Bob Dancer is one of the most successful video poker pros ever. He’s written numerous books on the subject, has put together highly-profitable video poker teams, and is widely recognized as the game’s top expert. This is his story about how he came to Las Vegas with $6,000 and within six years had won $1 million from playing video poker. Video poker is one of the most overlooked areas of professional gambling and one of the most accessible to players starting with a small bankroll.

By Bob Dancer ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Million Dollar Video Poker as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bob Dancer is the best known video poker player and writer in the world. In just six years, after coming to Las Vegas with a $6,000 bankroll, Dancer won more than $1 million playing beatable machines. Million Dollar Video Poker recounts the events of those six years, with stories about his meteoric ups and downs, and lessons for players of all skill levels. Video poker is one of those rare casino games that can be beaten by a talented and informed player, and Dancer explains how it’s done. Never before has a top video poker professional shared so many of…


If you love Jared Tendler...

Ad

Book cover of Old Man Country

Old Man Country by Thomas R. Cole,

This book follows the journey of a writer in search of wisdom as he narrates encounters with 12 distinguished American men over 80, including Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve, and Denton Cooley, the world’s most famous heart surgeon.

In these and other intimate conversations, the book…

Book cover of Building a Bankroll Full Ring Edition

Alton Hardin Author Of Master Micro Stakes Poker: Learn to Master Online 6-Max No Limit Hold'em Micro Stakes Cash Games

From my list on poker for beginner and struggling poker players.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m the founder and lead instructor at MicroGrinder Poker School, arguably, the most prominent micro stakes poker school, and I’m fascinated by poker. I started playing poker as a hobby, and it soon became an obsession. I delved into poker theory, seeking to understand the game’s nuances. And as my game improved, I wanted to share my success with others. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, so I started MicroGrinder Poker School. Between my best-selling poker books and 35+ courses, I’ve helped over 80,000 poker players improve their poker game drastically.

Alton's book list on poker for beginner and struggling poker players

Alton Hardin Why Alton loves this book

This is one of the first poker books I read when I started working on improving my game, and it’s an excellent book to start with. Honestly, I think the name says it all, building a bankroll. The book is structured in a way that covers all the basics without being overwhelming. The author not only covers poker strategies, but also covers important topics like variance and bankroll management that are equally important. While this book doesn’t get that much love in the poker community, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

By Pawel Nazarewicz ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Building a Bankroll Full Ring Edition as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In January of 2010, while players complained about how difficult online poker had become, Pawel "Verneer" Nazarewicz wanted to demonstrate that, with the right approach, building a bankroll from scratch could still be done at the online tables. So starting at the micro stakes, he worked his way up the poker ladder turning $100 into $10,000 in 120 days. He accomplished the same feat a year later in exactly 100 days. In this book, Pawel shares the building blocks necessary for achieving long-term success at online poker. These teachings focus on seven fundamental concepts: - Accept Variance - Manage Your…


Book cover of Modern Poker Theory: Building an Unbeatable Strategy Based on GTO Principles
Book cover of Dynamic Full Ring Poker: Beyond The Basics
Book cover of The Grinder's Manual: A Complete Course in Online No Limit Holdem 6-Max Cash Games

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in poker, psychology, and sports?

Poker 29 books
Psychology 2,130 books
Sports 1,070 books