Doyle Brunson's Super System
By Doyle Brunson
Paperback: 624 pages
Publisher: Cardoza; 3rd edition (1979)
ISBN: 1580420818

Although the information is slightly dated since this classic was published in 1978, this collection of writings from some of the best poker experts (Brunson, Sklansky, Caro, Reese, etc.) still has a great deal to offer. An Amazon reviewer said that "each and every section of this book has some very valuable insights from odds, to game theory, to various ways to approach different hands." But the reviewer recommends the book "only to advanced players with significant experience and the desire to vary their play."

The Theory of Poker
By David Sklansky
Paperback: 300 pages
Publisher: Two Plus Two Pub.; 3rd edition (1989)
ISBN: 1880685000

Considered by many to be the best book available on the fundamentals and theory of Poker. Sklansky's Fundamental Theorem of Poker, as listed in the book, states: "Every time you play a hand differently from the way you would have played it if you could see all your opponents' cards, they gain; and every time you play your hand the same way you would have played it if you could see all their cards, they lose."

According to an Amazon reviewer, the book "focuses on the math of Poker - how to calculate odds, pot odds, reverse implied pot odds, etc. It's not a fun read; it reminded me of some of the college textbooks I dreaded, but it rewards hard work with a new depth of insight that will make you a smarter, more insightful player."

Play Poker Like the Pros
By Phil Hellmuth
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: HarperResource; (2003)
ISBN: 0060005726

With 9 WSOP bracelets to his credit, Phil Hellmuth presents his tournament-tested strategies to beat any type of player. He begins by laying out the rules and set-up of each game and then moves on to easy-to-follow basic and advanced strategies. Hellmuth teaches exactly which hands to play, when to bluff, when to raise, and when to fold. In addition, Hellmuth provides techniques for reading other players and staying cool under pressure. There are also special chapters on how to beat online poker games and an inside look at tournament play.

Caro's Book of Poker Tells
By Mike Caro
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Cardoza; (2003)
ISBN: 1580420826

Over 300 pages and more than 170 photographs devoted to the body language of Poker. The book shows Poker players in action and provides Caro's own accompanying explanations about when players are bluffing, when they're not and why. According to an Amazon reviewer, this book "really breaks down the art of poker (that is, the ability to read people) into simple categories of tells understandable and recognizable by anybody."

Hold'Em Poker for Advanced Players
By David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth
Paperback: 332 pages
Publisher: Two Plus Two Pub.; 3rd edition (1999)
ISBN: 1880685221

Among poker professionals and aficionados of the game, this is the most often referenced and recommended book with a wealth of practical advice. According to one reviewer, this has been one of the most influential Poker books ever written and has literally changed how people have played this game. Moreover, this book has, in large part, set the standard by which other Poker books have been judged.

Poker for Dummies
By Richard D. Harroch, Lou Krieger
Paperback: 298 pages
Publisher: For Dummies; (2000)
ISBN: 0764552325

A surprisingly good introduction to all the basic Poker concepts you need to get started. It begins on the ground floor and works up to strategies for popular games, with lots of interesting subtopics including card room etiquette, slang, reading tells, and tournaments. This is an excellent first book on Poker, with explanations in plain English, but some more experienced players have complained about its lack of details about how to actually play the games.