bremp555
Enthusiast
Silver Level
That’s a really interesting question, and I think the answer depends a lot on what part of your poker game you want to focus on first. There isn’t really a single “best” book or course that will instantly make someone a pro, but there are definitely resources that have stood the test of time and can give you a strong base. For example, The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky is almost like a bible of poker concepts. It doesn’t just teach you hands or charts, it teaches you how to think about the game — why you bet, when you call, and how to approach different situations. For tournaments, the Harrington on Hold’em series is a classic, especially if you’re trying to understand tournament dynamics like stack sizes, ICM, and survival strategy.
For cash games, I’d recommend books like Professional No-Limit Hold’em or even more modern material that covers deeper concepts such as ranges and bet sizing strategies. These are not always as easy to read as Harrington, but they really help you move beyond a beginner’s mindset. Another one worth mentioning is Applications of No-Limit Hold’em by Matthew Janda, which is a more advanced book, but if you’re serious about going pro, at some point you’ll need to dive into GTO-based thinking, and Janda’s work is one of the best introductions to that.
When it comes to courses, it really depends on your learning style. Sites like Upswing Poker, Raise Your Edge, or Jonathan Little’s training site all have very strong content, but they’re aimed at different types of players. Upswing, for example, is heavy on structured modules and solver-based strategies, while Jonathan Little does a great job explaining practical concepts in a way that’s accessible even if you’re not into complex math. Raise Your Edge has one of the most well-known tournament courses, the “Apprentice” and “Masterclass,” which many pros have gone through.
From my own experience grinding micro and low limits for a living, I’d say the real value of these resources is how you apply them at your current level. For example, solvers are amazing tools, but at $2NL, $5NL, or even $25NL, most of your profit will come from understanding basic concepts like not over-bluffing, value betting thinly, and exploiting the many players who make big mistakes. Books like Harrington or Jonathan Little’s content can give you practical tools for that, while the more advanced stuff (like Janda) will be useful later when you’re facing tougher regulars.
bankroll management lessons are also super important to apply directly at these limits. Many players fail not because they don’t know theory, but because they take shots too early or don’t respect variance. That’s something every book/course mentions, but it hits harder when you’re actually playing every day and relying on poker income. Keeping disciplined, sticking to good bankroll rules, and constantly reviewing your sessions with software like Holdem Manager or PokerTracker can make the difference between being a breakeven grinder and being a consistent winner.
In the end, I think the best path is to pick one or two resources that match your current level, really absorb them, and then move on to more advanced material once you feel ready. Poker is a marathon, not a sprint, and becoming a pro takes more than just knowing theory — it’s about discipline, bankroll management, and keeping your mindset strong over the long run.
For cash games, I’d recommend books like Professional No-Limit Hold’em or even more modern material that covers deeper concepts such as ranges and bet sizing strategies. These are not always as easy to read as Harrington, but they really help you move beyond a beginner’s mindset. Another one worth mentioning is Applications of No-Limit Hold’em by Matthew Janda, which is a more advanced book, but if you’re serious about going pro, at some point you’ll need to dive into GTO-based thinking, and Janda’s work is one of the best introductions to that.
When it comes to courses, it really depends on your learning style. Sites like Upswing Poker, Raise Your Edge, or Jonathan Little’s training site all have very strong content, but they’re aimed at different types of players. Upswing, for example, is heavy on structured modules and solver-based strategies, while Jonathan Little does a great job explaining practical concepts in a way that’s accessible even if you’re not into complex math. Raise Your Edge has one of the most well-known tournament courses, the “Apprentice” and “Masterclass,” which many pros have gone through.
From my own experience grinding micro and low limits for a living, I’d say the real value of these resources is how you apply them at your current level. For example, solvers are amazing tools, but at $2NL, $5NL, or even $25NL, most of your profit will come from understanding basic concepts like not over-bluffing, value betting thinly, and exploiting the many players who make big mistakes. Books like Harrington or Jonathan Little’s content can give you practical tools for that, while the more advanced stuff (like Janda) will be useful later when you’re facing tougher regulars.
bankroll management lessons are also super important to apply directly at these limits. Many players fail not because they don’t know theory, but because they take shots too early or don’t respect variance. That’s something every book/course mentions, but it hits harder when you’re actually playing every day and relying on poker income. Keeping disciplined, sticking to good bankroll rules, and constantly reviewing your sessions with software like Holdem Manager or PokerTracker can make the difference between being a breakeven grinder and being a consistent winner.
In the end, I think the best path is to pick one or two resources that match your current level, really absorb them, and then move on to more advanced material once you feel ready. Poker is a marathon, not a sprint, and becoming a pro takes more than just knowing theory — it’s about discipline, bankroll management, and keeping your mindset strong over the long run.
V
vivek5522____
Enthusiast
Silver Level
If you really wanna get better at poker, there are a few books and courses that stand out. For books, The Theory of Poker is a must it teaches you how to think about the game, not just how to play certain hands. Harrington on Hold’em is a classic for tournaments, and Doyle Brunson’s Super System is old but kind of legendary, like poker history. If you want more modern, math-heavy stuff, Janda’s Applications of No-Limit Hold’em is solid. And if tilt drives you nuts, Jared Tendler’s The Mental Game of Poker is a lifesaver.
As for courses, Doug Polk’s Upswing Poker is really structured, Phil Galfond’s Run It Once has insane content from top pros, Raise Your Edge is big for tournaments, and Jonathan Little has tons of practical training.
Honestly, books give you the base, but courses are where you see how today’s players actually think. A mix of both is the sweet spot.
As for courses, Doug Polk’s Upswing Poker is really structured, Phil Galfond’s Run It Once has insane content from top pros, Raise Your Edge is big for tournaments, and Jonathan Little has tons of practical training.
Honestly, books give you the base, but courses are where you see how today’s players actually think. A mix of both is the sweet spot.