Mon, 08/15/2011 – 06:18 – PokerPages Staff

Poker books are a great way to discover tips on how to improve your game. Read on to find out the ones you should be reading to keep ahead of the game.

Play Poker Like the Pros
The title itself should inspire you to read on! If you want to avoid a lot of technical approaches then this book, written by Phil Hellmuth, is ideal reading. The style of writing is easy to follow and specific areas, including bluffing and pot odds, are looked into in detail.

Doyle Brunson’s Super System
If you’re a more advanced player and actually prefer technical jargon then Doyle Brunson’s book will provide you with a good read. This book is renowned as a classic within the poker world and considered by many as the most influential.

Cowboys Full
Written by James McManus this is another book which has become very popular within the poker world. Certain reviewers even claim it’s the best book ever written for the game. Not many poker books receive so much acclaim so if you’re stuck on which to pick this is a good option.

The Theory of Poker
Written by David Sklansky, you’ll find this book on many top 10 lists. It’s excellent for discovering about poker theory (as the name suggests) although you may have to read it a number of times. If you’re a fan of Texas Hold’em then this is the gospel for the game.

Caro’s Book of Poker Tells
Poker involves a lot of psychology and if you’re particularly interested in this side of the game then Mike Caro’s book will really benefit you. It’s a great way to begin to understand how to penetrate your opponent’s psyche and gain the upper hand.

Fri, 07/22/2011 – 22:40 – PokerPages Staff

A tactic used by many players is the check-raise technique. This can allow players to build up a larger pot than usual by potentially adding a second cycle of betting to the round.

How it Works
When the first player in a betting round checks, they pass on the opportunity to bet for the time being. The check-raiser checks during the initial betting round with the intention of raising any subsequent bet. This will increase the poker bets in the pot. Check raising is also is an effective tactic used to try to scare off other players.

Warning Signs
The check-raiser uses this technique for one of two reasons, either they are in possession of a monster hand and want to maximize the profitability, or they are bluffing. Keep a close eye on your opponents and utilize the PokerStars notes feature to work out why your opponent is check raising.

Differences in Opinion
While this practice may be frowned upon in some arenas, it continues amidst dividing opinion. Poker Hall of Famer Doyle Brunson is dead against check raising because he believes that it is always more profitable to bet any quality hand. His reasoning is solid; if your opponents do not bet, they get to see the next card free. It also gives away your hand strength.

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