The Theory of Poker

I just finished reading The Theory of Poker. It was a good book. I recommend it. Sklansky warns in the forward it is not an easy read, and it wasn't. It was a challenge getting through it but worthwhile. I feel I should read it again but that will have to wait. I need to read something lighter and non poker first for a little break.

Some of the stuff in there was difficult to grasp like raising with the second best hand. Also the heads up on the river chapter was challenging to wade through. The stuff on game theory and bluffing was very interesting and well presented. He also has an interesting concept of semi bluffing where it isn't always just a draw to semi bluff with.

The book discusses lots of forms of poker, not just hold'em. That was valuable because you learn the underlying concepts that also apply to hold'em. Thinking about bluffing in draw or stud makes you understand about bluffing itself more so than how to play a specific hold'em situation and that is valuable.

I've now read three poker books. I've read Harrington on Hold'em I and II in addition to Theory of Poker. There are some more poker books I'd like to read. I should try to read Psychology of Poker next some time this year. At some point in the future if I can move up to higher stakes I'd like to read Hold'em Poker for Advanced Players and Tournament Poker for Advanced Players.

After reading The Theory of Poker now I feel like going and playing limit.