Poker Philosophy Books?

#1 19th July 2007, 8:03 AM

Any good suggestions for Poker Philosophy or Psychology books?

I'm talking about the mental part of the game not the "how to play" hands or tournaments type books.

I recently bought the Tao of Poker and I recommend it. It kind of reminds you how to think how you should be approaching the game mentally.

Anyone read any from the list below and what did you think?

Tournament Poker And The Art Of War

Zen and the Art of Poker

Thanks for any imput, JimiB

#2 19th July 2007, 8:43 AM

Yes, "Tao of Poker" is a very good and unique read.

I just picked up just plain "The Art of War" for a dollar at a thrift shop. It says it teaches general strategy and seems like an easy read. I'll let you know how it goes.

#3 19th July 2007, 5:38 PM

See my review of Schoonmakers "Your Worst Poker Enemy" here.

Matt Hilger has a book called "The Poker Mindset" that you might want to check out.

Schoonmaker's frist book titled "The Psychology of Poker" is mostly a discssion of playing styles (tight-passive, loose aggressive, etc.), with less to do with actual psychology that the title would suggest.

John Feeney's book "Inside the Poker Mind" is the better of the two books, in my opinion.

#4 19th July 2007, 6:18 PM

Irexes would probably agree with me and recommend Zen and the Art of Poker, but I think it's the same author as Tao, the one you've already read. Basically, a poker player who's decided to do research on how a particular life philosophy might be applied to poker.

#5 19th July 2007, 10:06 PM

You might try The Psychology of Poker also by Alan Schoonmaker. Interesting insight into what makes a maniac or a rock tick. BTW, Dr. Schoonmaker is both a psychologist and a poker player.

#6 19th July 2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Four Dogs

You might try The Psychology of Poker also by Alan Schoonmaker. Interesting insight into what makes a maniac or a rock tick. BTW, Dr. Schoonmaker is both a psychologist and a poker player.

but,

Quote:

Originally Posted by aliengenius

John Feeney's book "Inside the Poker Mind" is the better of the two books, in my opinion.

#7 20th July 2007, 8:56 PM

Thanks for all the good input, I think I will order, Inside the Poker Mind

Later, JimiB

#8 21st July 2007, 7:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aliengenius

Schoonmaker's frist book titled "The Psychology of Poker" is mostly a discssion of playing styles (tight-passive, loose aggressive, etc.), with less to do with actual psychology that the title would suggest.

John Feeney's book "Inside the Poker Mind" is the better of the two books, in my opinion.

Thanks AG. I'll have to get this one.

#9 22nd July 2007, 6:38 PM

thanks as well!

#10 2nd August 2007, 9:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aliengenius

See my review of Schoonmakers "Your Worst Poker Enemy" here.

Matt Hilger has a book called "The Poker Mindset" that you might want to check out.

Schoonmaker's frist book titled "The Psychology of Poker" is mostly a discssion of playing styles (tight-passive, loose aggressive, etc.), with less to do with actual psychology that the title would suggest.

John Feeney's book "Inside the Poker Mind" is the better of the two books, in my opinion.

I've never read any of these three books but am very interested in Your Worst Poker Enemy, since tilt is one of my greatest problems.

A review stated that I should read Psychology of Poker before reading your worse poker enemy..

You stated Inside the Poker Mind is the better of the two books, can I read that instead of Psychology of Poker, or could I just read Your Worst Poker Enemy without reading either before?

Thanks for your opinions!

#11 3rd August 2007, 4:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by altruist

I've never read any of these three books but am very interested in Your Worst Poker Enemy, since tilt is one of my greatest problems.

A review stated that I should read Psychology of Poker before reading your worse poker enemy..

You stated Inside the Poker Mind is the better of the two books, can I read that instead of Psychology of Poker, or could I just read Your Worst Poker Enemy without reading either before?

Thanks for your opinions!

Psychology of Poker is mainly a categorization of foes and their tendencies and motivations. When people ask for 'psycology' books, this is not usually their primary motivation, so I recommend it last of any of the ones out there.

If you want to work on your own tilt or other problems Inside the Poker Mind (Feeney) and Your Worst Poker Enemy (Schoonmaker) are both better choices. I don't think there is a prerequisite either way, so read them in what ever order you want.

Zen and Tao (both by Larry Phillips) are essential to any library (imho).

Also consider Ian Tayor/Matt Hilger's book The Poker Mindset. <<<possibly the best psychology book of any of them.

#12 3rd August 2007, 5:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aliengenius

Zen and Tao (both by Larry Phillips) are essential to any library (imho).

I agree with you, aliengenius. They're different enough to justify having both, imvho. I wanted to gift my brother with both last Christmas and could only find Zen. Sacrificed my copy of Tao 'cause I love the guy. But I wasn't at all surprised that I felt the need to replace it right away.

To the OP, I'm glad you started this thread. Poker psych reading is on my August goals list and with these recommendations, there's no room for me to procrastinate. Happy reading all.

#13 3rd August 2007, 10:41 PM

Just picked up, Your Worst Poker Enemy

pretty good so far... I'll post more later

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