Hobby Ideas > Advanced Poker

Poker is a game of decisions based on incomplete information. At times it is a game based on mathematical odds, pot odds and risk vs reward. At other times its a game of psychological warfare where you must dominate the table and intimidate your opponents with aggressive play. Understanding and mastering the subtleties make this simple card game a lifetime passion for many. Here's how you can begin to master poker.

Assuming that you've mastered the Basics, now its time to switch focus to your opponents. We recommend the following books for taking your game to the next level.

The Theory of Poker - by David Sklansky

Hold'Em Poker for Advanced Players - by David Sklansky

Starting with the David Sklansky books will be time well spent. The focus of this next phase is in analyzing your opponents and using this information to your advantage. You'll need to understand when to bluff, semi-bluff, put out feeler bets, slow play, and mix up your style. You'll also need to understand the subtle differences of limit vs no limit games, tournament play and how to balance conflicting principles in situations where you have only limited information.