Theory Of Poker
 

Can you guys list your thoughts about this book and discuss how it's helped your poker game? Thanks.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

I'm sure you are capable of using the search function, so please do. However, if you, for some reason, are incapable of doing so, my deepest apologies, it wasn't my intention to insult you.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

You're a carpal tunnel, why on earth are you asking this?

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

A lot of OTT... he just realized there's poker content on here too

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

It's mostly concepts. It's really important, but it doesn't make you play better after reading it. It shows you how to look at a hand and see what you could of done differently and decide what parts you played correctly or incorrectly.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

It teaches you the underlying concepts of poker. The book has taught me to evaluate situations based on whether a play is +EV or -EV.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

What I've heard people say is that it's not so much a book that will teach you some fancy moves. Instead, it will tell you why you and your opponents act in certain ways. It helps you understand situations.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm sure you are capable of using the search function, so please do. However, if you, for some reason, are incapable of doing so, my deepest apologies, it wasn't my intention to insult you.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm writing a FAQ for the SSNL forum and have included a reccommendation for ToP in it. Mat Sklansky told me I need to provide links to discussions about the book, as well as Poker Tracker. As there aren't any good discussion on the book, I had to create one.


[ QUOTE ]
A lot of OTT... he just realized there's poker content on here too

[/ QUOTE ]

The majority of my posts are in strategy forums. I've read ToP twice and own over 20 poker books.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

[ QUOTE ]
As there aren't any good discussion on the book

[/ QUOTE ]

I suspect there are more than a few, but they were probably moved to the archive some time ago.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

ok, im re reading it for the 2nd ish time, as i read over every chapter, i see how important this book really was. As i read thru it i keep saying to my self, [censored] i always do this or that. this book will tell you pretty much everything you should know, the rest is expeirence

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

You can cold call this book. Just buy it and you can be 100% sure that you will not be disappointed.

Re: The Best/Read it
 

I think it is the top general poker book of all time. General poker concepts that you must know. A great book.

It covers pot odds, implied odds, betting for value, hand reading (thinking about your opponents hands, thinking about what your opponents thinks of your hand), counting outs, a little game theory, position, reasons for raising, loose games, bluffing, semi bluffing, "fundamental theorem of poker", structure, free cards, slowplaying, analzsis over the table, etc. More greneral theories and concepts covered in tremendous depth than you can imagine!

It elevates your game more then any other poker book. I reread it at least once a year.

Re: The Best/Read it
 

Good post.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

I keep a copy in the bedroom in case I can't sleep at night

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

Great read if you're willing to finally take a numbers approach to the game of poker (which I suggest you should unless you enjoy losing money.) Most importantly, this book gives me the confidence to play within my bankroll because it helps me understand that poker skill is not some intangible, magical ability that some people were just born with. Anyone can be a winner if you have disicipline and adhere to Sklansky's principles contained in this book.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

No matter what type of poker you play, this book should be the second book you read.

Behind SuperSystem this is the greatest poker book ever written. Buy it, read it, reread it, love it. I've personally worn the cover off of mine.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

To requote the last poster.
This is the most important book ever written once you`ve started playing ANY form of poker.
Get the basic ideas of play then delve deeply into this masterpiece.

jim grass

are you serious?
 

lautzutao,
you wrote;
"Behind SuperSystem this is the greatest poker book ever written." i will say that ss was a very important book for the poker world. however, as a book, importance aside, it is a poor poker book. it is not comprehensive, poorly written, and often incorrect.

as i wrote above about theory of poker;
"I think it is the top general poker book of all time. General poker concepts that you must know. A great book.

It covers pot odds, implied odds, betting for value, hand reading (thinking about your opponents hands, thinking about what your opponents thinks of your hand), counting outs, a little game theory, position, reasons for raising, loose games, bluffing, semi bluffing, "fundamental theorem of poker", structure, free cards, slowplaying, analzsis over the table, etc. More greneral theories and concepts covered in tremendous depth than you can imagine!

It elevates your game more then any other poker book. I reread it at least once a year."

i can not see how you can compare the information in the two books. maybe for the importance to the poker world i see it, but seriously, have you really read both?

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

What I took away from it:

Reverse imlied odds. I feel understanding this has helped my NL game a lot. Understanding the fundamental theory of poker. This has given me a completely different perspective on the game.

The most important chapter, however, is on game theory / optimal bluffing frequency. Fortunately, not too many people are intelligent enough to understand all of the implications of this chapter. I can't wait until the Mathematics of Poker comes out, because I have a feeling it will pick up where TOP left off.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

yes,, but i think the math was right, because you are getting a great price.

Re: Theory Of Poker
 

one thing that you have to know going into it though, is the fact that you're not going to get alot of specific game advice. I bought it at the same time I bought HOH and ended up reading HOH first, because I was frustrated that I wasnt getting specific advice.

However, I have since reread this multiple times, and each time something sticks in my mind that didnt the first time.

It is generally true with good books that each time you read them, you'll get something new out of it. This is doubly true of any of the 2+2 books, especially theory, as you'll be able to see this "new thing" the second you log on and start playing.