so, i ordered brunson's online poker book from amazon last week and just got it in. i also placed an order for supersystems 1 and 2 that same day, should get those in a few days(doyle brunson is one of my fav players). i think i've decided to get theory of poker in about a month or so(that's about how long it'll take me to finish those 3 books cuz i'm a slow reader.) is this a good book for me as i've only been playin for fun w/ friends for like 2 yrs and only been thinkin about getting serious for about a month or so. i'm more interested in small/micro stakes online and play money for a while as i am poor and movin out soon as well, so that means rent. i read some of the theory of poker thread and i dont know if its for beginners or advanced players. i'm also thinkin about some of lederer's books and of course dan's books. i saw something about harrington's books, but i've seen harrington play alot on tv and he seems really tight, and i hate playin tight, so i dont know how i'll like his books. any ideas guys?

The Theory of Poker is a must-read for all players. It has some advanced concepts, but if you've been playing poker for a few years you should be able to follow it. Multiple reads will help.

Super System 2 applies more to today, so it's more relevant than SS1. Another required reading. I haven't read Doyle's online book but I've heard bad things about it.

If you're interested in playing small stakes online I'd recommend Small Stakes Hold 'em.

Harrington's books are essential for tournament play. His playing requirements are a bit tighter than most, but the books will definitely improve your game.

Good luck man.

yeah, i'm about through w/ doyle's online book...def not what i was expecting. its a good book for somebody that knows nothing about online poker to just give them a jump start, but it's not for me. it did have a couple good tips, but i wouldnt recommend it for anybody that has played online poker for more than 2 hrs.

thanks for the input.

I've heard nothing but bad things about Doyle's online book. I have heard that it is nothing but an advertisement for Doyle's Room. If you are hell bent on getting an online book then I suggest picking up "Online Ace" by Scott Fishman. It's pretty elementary but has good information for the novice player.

Back to the task at hand...recommended books are:

- Theory of Poker (absolute must have)
- Harrington on Hold'em Vol. 1,2,& 3
- Small Stakes Hold'em

that should get you started

It doesn't matter if Harrington is tight, he is one of the most sucessful tournament players in history and I found his books very useful. Read them even if you are loose.

1 month to read SS1 and 2 ? Faster than me. But I suppose it depends how much you read (ie, you may never plan on playing stud hi/lo)

You sound like you are starting out, so I would reccomend:
Play Poker Like the Pros (Hellmuth) - I think this is a good 'intro' to super system. it is structured similarly, but for beginners. great for getting the basics of new games that can be complicated when starting out e.g. Omaha hi-lo. But theres still some good stuff in there
Online Ace (Fischman) - I really believe if I had this when starting out it would have helped sooooo much. It addresses stuff like game selection, br management, sngs and alot of other tips. if i had this starting out, my down swing at the start would not have been nearly as big.
HOH series - vital for tournament play, no questions asked

TOP is meant to be very good, but I haven't read it yet. You have SS, I would read that after Hellmuths book.

SS1 really isnt the kind of book your looking for if you are playing small stakes. His strategies simply wont apply. It will be an interesting read but just dont take too much of what you learn to the table.

I suggest you play for a few months, read a few articles about pot odds and the basic maths of poker, then have a go at Theory Of Poker. I wouldnt say its that hard of a read, but tis certainly not for the novice. If you know basic strategies then you should be well enough equipped for it.
There is probably no book that will help you as much as TOP if you read it thoroughly.