The Psychology of Poker

1. A book written by Alan N. Schoonmaker, a Ph.D. that covers the motives and mental attributes of various types of poker players.

More Info

The book is 330 pages and was originally published in 2000. It discusses all the skills and strategies that have to be mastered in terms of hand selection, appropriate aggression, bluffing, picking up tells, and reading hands. Dr. Schoonmaker discusses strategic elements that ideally improve the state of the reader and suggests personal adjustments to better their game.

Can it Help You?

At its core, The Psychology of Poker is a book that will only help you if you are honest with yourself about your game. Schoonmaker will lead you on an introspective look at why you do what you do and where you can improve, but he can only take you as far as you want to go. If you aren't able to be critical with yourself, then this book isn't for you. However, if you are open to discovering whether or not you truly have what it takes to be a successful poker player, then The Psychology of Poker can definitely help you.