The Theory of Poker – David Sklansky – I think I've praised this book enough today, but I'll do it one more time – it has everything you need to know about pot odds, expected value, starting hands, the complete works. I cannot recommend this book enough – it WILL improve you as a player, and is the book I recommend all players read as their first.

Harrington on Hold'em I & II – Dan Harrington – Dan Harrington is an extremely accomplished tournament player, and he offers these two books focused entirely on tournament play. With chapters for each important concept, and then a selection of examples and questions testing you on what you have just learned, this book is great for the sit n go specialist, or someone who wants to transfer their poker game from the cash tables. There is also a volume III available, which is entirely examples and questions, which is worth picking up if you enjoyed the first two.

No Limit Theory & Practice – David Sklansky & Ed Miller – this book is aimed at No Limit Hold'em cash game players, and in my opinion, there isn't a better book out there on this subject. Sklansky and Miller go over basically every situation you could find yourself in, explain what the correct thing to do is, and back everything up with detailed explanations relying heavily on mathematical calculations. To the aspiring NLH cash player, I would recommend reading The Theory of Poker, and then this book.

BOOKS YOU SHOULD AVOID

Play Poker like the Pros – Phil Hellmuth – This is simply a terrible book, full of bad advice. Now, I'm not taking anything away from Phil Hellmuth, he's one of the greatest tournament players ever, but I think a major reason for his book(s) not being up to scratch is that he is a naturally talented player, who relies heavily on feel – something which cannot be taught, especially through a book. Your money is better spent elsewhere.

Super/System - Doyle Brunson (& friends) - "But Poker Professor, that's the bible of poker!" I hear you cry - I'm afraid that is no longer true. I have played with many players who read this as their first poker book, and their game suffered because of it. This now outdated book offers strategies facing towards an over-aggressive style which will simply not work as well in today's poker world as it did decades ago when it was written.