Should I Read some Books?

Just wondering what people think about poker books, and I do wonder if after reading them I may end up change my game to play more like the majority of the field, and end up losing an edge?

Not a major concern, as long as I use the knowledge I gain to supplement my strategy rather than supplant my current strategy.

Any recommendations for books? I've heard a lot that Harringtons 3 are good?

I'm playing mostly NL Hold'em SNG's and Tournaments. I would like to get better at ring games, but right now my focus is on SNG's and tournies.

My opinion on poker books is that they can only improve your game, you dont have to change your playing style, just add to it.
I have not read any books yet, but I'm sure if I did, my outlook on how I play would change.
I'll start reading poker books as soon as there is nothing left to learn here at the forum, and there's always something new to learn here, so I'm in for the long haul

Definitely read the Harrington on Holdem series. I bought the first two (haven't got around to getting the 3rd yet) and they changed my game for the better. They're perfect for the NLHE tournament player; be it with SnGs or MTTs.

Again, I highly suggest them.

ChuckTs said:

Definitely read the Harrington on Holdem series. I bought the first two (haven't got around to getting the 3rd yet) and they changed my game for the better. They're perfect for the NLHE tournament player; be it with SnGs or MTTs.

Again, I highly suggest them.

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I agree but please read them in succession. Read Voulme 1 ifrst, then 2 etc. If you want stragedies in other games (i.e. omaha, stud), try picking up Super System 1 and/or 2.

OneMoreBust said:

the majority of the field

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The majority of the field are, in my experience, loose-passive. Since this isn't a style that is suggested by any of the books I've read (and I've read quite a few) I think it's safe to say that you're not going to lose an edge by "becoming one of them", since they're not even one of them to begin with.

$25 to buy a decent poker book is the safest investment ever made, if you actually take the time to read it. There's information in the books that you won't find on the forums, specifically because they're already in the books; why bother re-hashing them here? I put together a collection of recommendations in the Guide. It's admittedly getting a bit outdated (which is unavoidable) but the books I list are still good.

Cheers,
FP

t1riel said:

If you want stragedies in other games (i.e. omaha, stud), try picking up Super System 1 and/or 2.

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Smashes head violently against wall.

Tim, i'm going to teach you how to spell Strategies if it kills me. It is NOT Tragedies with an S on the front, it is S T R A T E G I E S.

Oh, and to the original question - yes, buy and read poker books ( the Harringtons definately), but also try and keep your own style if it has worked previously. The Harrington books though will turn you from an MTT casher into an MTT winner.

Yes, read books, ive only read the first 3-5 pages of Harringtons 1st vol and ive cashed in the last 4 tournies ive played in

Ive always played cash with a few sng's maybe a big tourney once every couple of months (maybe) wanted to play / learn more about tournys and a great week its been

Not just read the books, but i have watched hours upon hours of poker on tv even repeats lol (well they are better than most of the tv trash)

Enjoy and Peace.

I recently read the new Skanky/Miller book NO LIMIT HOLD'EM- Theory and Practice and was just blown away by how good it was. The Harrington books are still the best for tournament play, but this book is the best on the stragedy of the game as a whole, cash or tournament. I don't recommend it as your first pick-up though. Pretty heavy stuff.

ChuckTs said:

Definitely read the Harrington on Holdem series.

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t1riel said:

I agree but please read them in succession. Read Voulme 1 first, then 2 etc.

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Yes, ^^^^^ What they said ^^^^^ very much so. I really couldn't agree more about the Harrington books. There are other good books out there, but if I had to name my personal top three, the these three will get it every time.

Four Dogs said:

I recently read the new Skanky/Miller book NO LIMIT HOLD'EM- Theory and Practice and was just blown away by how good it was. The Harrington books are still the best for tournament play, but this book is the best on the stragedy of the game as a whole, cash or tournament. I don't recommend it as your first pick-up though. Pretty heavy stuff.

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Thanks for the tip. I'll check this out post haste. I'm still always looking for another good read.

I read them S l o w l y , that way you actually end up learning the plays - I mean, two pages a day sometimes, and then if I come accross what I read I'll try it out.

bonusweary said:

I read them S l o w l y , that way you actually end up learning the plays - I mean, two pages a day sometimes, and then if I come accross what I read I'll try it out.

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Another thing I think should be mentioned is to re-read the books regularly. With your new experience, you sometimes come across points in the book that you thought you understood before, but now have personally experienced and you get a full understanding of what the author means.

ChuckTs said:

Another thing I think should be mentioned is to re-read the books regularly. With your new experience, you sometimes come across points in the book that you thought you understood before, but now have personally experienced and you get a full understanding of what the author means.

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Couldn't agree more.