Psychology Books That Are Applicable To Poker

[TRBNGR]

Im looking for some good suggestions for psy. books that would be/are applicable to Poker. If anyone knows of a good choices please post'em.

[BluffTHIS!]

The Psychology of Poker by Dr. Alan Schoonmaker (2+2)

Poker, Sex & Dying by Juel Anderson

P$ychology of Poker P$ymplified by David Whalen

[mosquito]

[ QUOTE ]
The Psychology of Poker by Dr. Alan Schoonmaker (2+2)

Poker, Sex & Dying by Juel Anderson

P$ychology of Poker P$ymplified by David Whalen

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, having re-read the Whalen book recently, I would
take it off the list (for most people) as it contains
some 'errors' that could be costly to someone who does
not know better.

The other books I agree on.

[TRBNGR]

I couldnt find alot of info on the Whalen book on Amazon. As you have read it, would you mind giving a quick overview of whats covered, and what flaws you found in it.

[mosquito]

Whalen is ex-military (ret.) and by his own accounts a
succesful player (I will not attempt to refute).

His writing style is 'folksy' and full of quaint sayings
that have some applicability, but are best "taken with a
grain of salt."

The book is not in front of me (in a different state) but
I recall a couple of strategic errors as well, at least as
written. Many strategies are applicable in specific
situations, his situations were not well defined and therefore his advice somewhat dangerous.

An experienced player capable of getting thru the
'minefield' can pick up some useful things. This
may be most true with the psychology aspects.

So the book is not without value, just don't
approach it like a 2+2 book where everything can
be assumed to be accurate (even if the writing may
be poor).

[smarterthanyoda]

[ QUOTE ]
P$ychology of Poker P$ymplified by David Whalen

[/ QUOTE ]

I've wanted to buy this book, but it's out of print and I haven't found it anywhere. Does anyone know where I can get a copy?

To the OP, the most valuable book for me was "Emotions Revealed", by Paul Ekman. Seeing a player flash "worried" when the third of a suit comes or "excited" when the board pairs has been invaluable. On his website, he sells a cd called SETT/METT that trains you to read expressions, even when someone is trying to hide them.

On the don't waste your time list, stay away from "Beyond Tells". The author sets up an interesting foundation for evaluating players, but doesn't take the step into doing anything useful with that information. Additionally, there is tons of bad strategic advice that could mess up your play.

[chekthastak]

[ QUOTE ]
On the don't waste your time list, stay away from "Beyond Tells". The author sets up an interesting foundation for evaluating players, but doesn't take the step into doing anything useful with that information. Additionally, there is tons of bad strategic advice that could mess up your play.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you for posting this, I was very close to purchasing it a couple of weeks ago, and decided against it. Seems I made the right decision.

Zen in the Martial Arts - Joe Hyams

[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img]Dave

[Aceshigh7]

It's targeted towards trading, but the book "Trading For a Living" by a psychologist named Alexander Elder is very applicable to poker. Expecially money management and learning how to make the best play and not be results oriented. It is one of the most expensive books ive ever seen though ($75.00 cover price!).

[tek]

I wasn't impressed by this book. There are better written and less expensive books that will provide more enlightenment on both poker and trading.