Old Harrington vs New Harrington

sammy22

sammy22

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Greetings everyone,
I thought I’d ask tournament players specifically, who else better to ask a tourney question.


I’m someone who is getting back into tournament poker (small-medium buy-in MTT’s specifically) after a LONG absence from the game. I need some material to read and study so I can at least hold my own at the table.


I’ve heard good things about Harrington’s original 3 book series, and how they provide an excellent foundation for your MTT game. But I also know they’re older books, and wonder if they’re still relevant in 2018. I know he has an updated book that came out a few years ago on the “modern” game, but there seems to be mixed reviews with it.


If you were someone trying to get back into the game, which would you go with? Or something different entirely?
 
ingybingy

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At this point in the game, books aren't going to be very helpful for anything other than beginning strategy. You should check out some videos online and instructional guides such as Raise Your Edge. Poker, in particularly tournament poker is constantly evolving and books just aren't updated frequently enough or relevant.
 
vavilen_

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I read harington 2 years ago there is a base but there are things that are very outdated! now everything is very important with regard to poker mathematics! and I would advise Collin moshman. strategy sng!
 
sammy22

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I’m getting the impression that books in general, including the Harrington books, would be a waste of time.

So where else DO new or inexperienced players go to learn the game today? I prefer books more and I learn better from reading, but if they’re no longer a good poker resource what’s the point.

Ingybingy mentioned “Raise Your edge”......anyother suggestions?
 
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Alex Houngan

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Look better VODs, known regular players in MTT with comments of hands.
 
ingybingy

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Try watching some streamers on twitch. They are very informative and can really help up your game. Also there are a number of training websites.
 
Lucky Alalk

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Guys can you pm me some links or what to google, Im kinda reading Harrington rn..
 
MorDa

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Harrington books are only suitable for beginners to understand basic concepts about the game.
His last book is about CASH games, but I have not read it yet
 
Vorem

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Yes, his last book is not about tournaments, but about CASH game 6-max
 
sammy22

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That’s incorrect.....his last book was in 2014 and IS a tournament book. The book is “Harrington On Modern Tournament Poker.”
 
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i agree with ingy sit and watch people who stream on twitch they are usually very informative about the thought processes that go into making their decisions

pokerstaples on pokerstars


it5payday on partypoker


never seen one for 888 so not sure but these two are good if that is the site you play on.
 
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Peter Jankowski

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They books may be outdate but are a good starting source. The two volumes concepts are still used & followed today, even if we don't think about it. We still think of the "Gap" and "M" or "BB" concepts. But only playing premium hands is outdated.
 
Poker Orifice

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They books may be outdate but are a good starting source. The two volumes concepts are still used & followed today, even if we don't think about it. We still think of the "Gap" and "M" or "BB" concepts. But only playing premium hands is outdated.

Agreed!
I'd say they're a good place to start from for sure. I'd also hazard a guess that the majority of posters saying books aren't going to help, haven't read any of the good poker books on the market (there are many!).


IF I were you, I'd read the first 2 volumes of Harrington On Holdem. Then (if playing MTT's) consider something like 'Kill Everyone' or 'Winning Poker Tournaments - One hand at a Time Vol.1 (& Vol.2)' < these are also a bit outdated but are excellent reads!
 
sammy22

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Thanks a lot guys....I will definitely give both books a read and go from there.

And thanks to everyone for your opinions and advice....it’s much appreciated!


sammy
 
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mayoroftittycity

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I've read his original three as well as the most recent one. I really enjoy them however, I also continuously hear from others about how outdated books are and they're probably right. I'm pretty much breakeven and just read the last book because I enjoy reading the books but I'm not certain how helpful they actually are to game improvement. I've actually found difficulty in getting used to the newer style of MTTs since my long break. It seems like watching Twitch streams may be helpful..
 
sammy22

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I've read his original three as well as the most recent one. I really enjoy them however, I also continuously hear from others about how outdated books are and they're probably right. I'm pretty much breakeven and just read the last book because I enjoy reading the books but I'm not certain how helpful they actually are to game improvement. I've actually found difficulty in getting used to the newer style of MTTs since my long break. It seems like watching Twitch streams may be helpful..

What did you think of his last book, his update on the “modern” game? Seems like everyone is still preferring his original books over his most recent one.
 
KJoff4u

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I’m getting the impression that books in general, including the Harrington books, would be a waste of time.

So where else DO new or inexperienced players go to learn the game today? I prefer books more and I learn better from reading, but if they’re no longer a good poker resource what’s the point.

Ingybingy mentioned “Raise Your edge”......anyother suggestions?

I disagree. Harrington's Tournament Holdem make you think about some things you haven't thought of. Most of it you might already know, but still, his practice hands and "what ifs" can keep you sharp.
 
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