Dr. Pauly's Top 10 Books That Improved His Poker Game

Dr. Pauly's list includes five books directly related to poker and five that are not directly related but still useful for the game.

Doyle Brunson's 'Super System' is at the top of Dr. Pauly's list, published in 1979, and is considered the bible of poker. The book laid the foundations of 'power poker' and includes contributions from poker legends such as Chip Rize, Bobby Baldwin, Mike Caro, and David Sklaniski. The chapter written by Rize is considered a classic in the area of stud poker.

Dan Harrington's 'Harrington on Hold’em' (Vol. I and Vol II) helped Dr. Pauly understand tournament poker strategies. The first volume, 'Strategic Play,' focuses on increasing the stack during the tournament, while the second volume, 'End Game,' introduces the concept of 'M' and how to adjust play based on the stack-to-blind ratio.

The Poker Mindset by Ian Taylor and Matthew Hilger is recommended for experienced players who struggle with emotional control. The book provides a deep psychological analysis to help manage emotions during play.

Barry Greenstein's 'Ace on the River' is noted for its honest portrayal of the life of a professional poker player. Greenstein shares stories from his life, describing how initial difficulties and failures made him stronger.

David Sklansky's 'The Theory of Poker' teaches players to analyze situations and consider all variables. The book is praised for its clarity and depth in explaining poker theory.

Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' is recommended for its strategic insights applicable to poker. The book teaches adaptation to changing conditions, a valuable skill in poker.

Bruce Lee's 'The Warrior Within' is praised for its philosophical insights and discipline. The book combines Eastern and Western teachings to help overcome challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.

Robert Pirsig's 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' is noted for its philosophical depth. The book delves into metaphysics and Greek philosophy, offering a unique perspective on life and decision-making.

A.J. Liebling's 'The Biggest Game in Town' inspired Dr. Pauly to write about poker. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the poker scene in Las Vegas and the World Series of Poker.

Fyodor Dostoevsky's 'The Gambler' is mentioned as a favorite of Dr. Pauly. The novel, written by one of the most famous Russian existentialists, offers a deep dive into the psychology of gambling.