Books About The History and Culture of Poker

Total Poker explores the analysis, clever tactics, and inspired bluffing that are essential to the game, but ultimately, winning at poker is a “psychological decision” made by each player, as the author maintains. Luck evens out for everyone, rendering the concept of “good cards” or “bad cards” meaningless. This book, packed with stories about the application of poker to life in general, explores the game’s history, culture, techniques, strategies, rules, and probabilities.

American History: 1800-1900. In the Wild West’s mining camps, cattle ranches, and gold towns, a series of women braved dangerous gambling games against ruthless men. “The Lady Was a Gambler” showcases fifteen notorious female gamblers of the Old West, including “Poker” Alice Ivers, the best player from Deadwood to Tombstone; Eleanora Dumont, the top twenty-one dealer; and Lottie Deno, a beautiful faro dealer who gambled from Texas to Alaska.

Poker is not just a widely loved game, it’s a universe filled with a variety of vibrant personalities, including professionals, amateurs, hustlers, and dreamers. This collection, akin to a royal flush, compiles short stories, essays, poems, and novel excerpts from a range of esteemed authors. These writers, from the Wild West era to the present day, have drawn from their personal encounters with the game. The compilation, titled ‘Read ‘Em and Weep’, is both entertaining and enlightening, making it a must-have. It features works by Nelson Algren, Andy Bellin, Anthony Holden, Katy Lederer, James Thurber, Barbara Tuchman, Billy Collins, Pete Dexter, Martin Amis, David Mamet, Herbert O. Yardley, A. and more.

This book compiles humorous quotes, anecdotes, and stories related to the game of poker. It includes insights from famous poker players, celebrities, and other notable figures who have shared their thoughts and experiences about the game. The book is meant to entertain and amuse readers, rather than provide serious strategy or advice for playing poker. It is a light-hearted and fun read for poker enthusiasts and those interested in the culture surrounding the game.

Spanning from 1970, when the first champion received a silver cup, to 2007, with a champion’s prize of $8.25 million, The Championship Table chronicles nearly 40 years of poker’s elite competing for its most prestigious award. This book compiles the names and photos of all final table contestants, details of the decisive hand between the champion and the runner-up, their playing strategies, and their prize winnings. Additionally, it offers insights through interviews and discussions with both champions and runners-up, alongside notable moments from each Series. An essential guide for World Series of Poker (WSOP) enthusiasts, it also provides winning strategies shared by the champions.

This book brings to life the most incredible hands played by the greatest poker player of all time. Over fifty years of poker history unfold through legendary players, significant events, and unforgettable hands. Experience the thrill and pivotal moments of poker’s most exciting hands right alongside Doyle. He shares the exhilarating and life-altering experiences of playing in high-stakes games, where avoiding police, hijackers, and murderers was part of the game, competing in hands worth over a million dollars, and facing situations where everything depended on the turn of a card. This book offers a collection of fascinating stories and invaluable poker advice, all shared by the legend himself.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the longest-standing poker tournament in the world and has become the undisputed preeminent event that every professional seeks for their success. When the best come to knock each other out, amazing stories result, and this book chronicles 52 of the game’s finer moments. The collection serves as a reminder of how the WSOP has evolved to its current state and the impact history has played in defining each moment. The stories vary from Main Event championships to preliminary event bracelet records to unique cultural moments that took place between poker’s most recognizable characters.

Straight Flush, based on insider interviews, recounts the company’s early operations in Costa Rica, where founders indulged in a lavish lifestyle. They operated in a legal gray area, creating an industry that soon attracted the attention of the U.S. Department of Justice. The book offers an unprecedented look into one of the most sensational business stories of the past decade.

Walter Irving Scott is arguably the most accomplished card shark in history. In 1930, he astounded New York’s top card handlers by dealing himself winning poker hands from a shuffled deck, one of his many feats. He took pride in “cheating the cheats” and his exceptional card skills earned him the nickname “The Phantom of the Card Table.” Six decades later, British magician Gazzo sought out Scott. They formed a friendship and Scott openly shared his techniques for potential publication. Scott insisted on honesty, saying, “I don’t care what you say, as long as you tell the truth.” This is the true story of Scott and other card table phantoms who spent years mastering the art of card cheating, a topic rarely discussed. A special chapter on master card tricks is also included.

Ghosts at the Table was the first comprehensive history of the game. The book humorously and energetically traces the game’s roots from the Wild West town of Deadwood, South Dakota, where “Wild” Bill Hickok was allegedly shot while holding aces and eights, to the yearly World Series of Poker and the thrilling high-stakes games in contemporary Las Vegas. The narrative is filled with memorable characters, including riverboat gamblers, Texas rounders, roadside tricksters, and living legends, all of whom have contributed to poker’s status as the world’s most popular game.

Aces and Kings is the perfect book for the ever-growing group of poker players, whether beginners or aficionados. Through fascinating, intimate profiles of the game’s greatest players, including World Series of Poker winners Doyle Brunson, ‘Amarillo Slim’ Preston, Chris Moneymaker, Howard ‘the Professor’ Lederer, and Chris ‘Jesus’ Ferguson, it tells readers everything they need to know about the game. The authors have received unprecedented access to poker’s top practitioners, providing thrilling moments, valuable insights, and how-to advice taken from real-life experiences at the highest-stakes tables.

Mike Sexton has led an impressive career in poker, both as a professional player and a key figure in the game’s business aspects, for over four decades. He has not only won a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet but also played a crucial role in the creation of PartyPoker in 2001 and the launch of the World Poker Tour (WPT) in 2002, an event that significantly impacted the poker world. Since the beginning of the WPT, he has served as a commentator alongside Vince Van Patten. In his book, Mike shares his personal stories and insights into some of the most iconic characters in poker over the last 40 years. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of poker, as well as those who enjoy thrilling stories of poker, golf, and gambling. If these topics capture your interest, you will find “Life’s A Gamble” to be a captivating read.

The thrilling real-life journey of Doyle Brunson, an American icon, is a tale of survival, courage, and triumph. Brunson, a two-time world champion poker player, has faced death, navigated the dangerous streets of Fort Worth and mob-infested Las Vegas, and risked millions on everything from poker to golf. His life is marked by incredible highs and lows, from surviving a death sentence due to incurable cancer, to outliving most of his poker-playing peers in Texas, to bluffing a gunman after being pistol-whipped. Despite numerous financial ups and downs, Brunson has won and lost millions, often in mere seconds. He’s even gambled on the grandest scale, betting one million dollars on a single golf hole while barely able to stand. His life, filled with extraordinary exploits and devastating tragedies, is a testament to the saying: Truth is stranger than fiction. To the millions who play poker worldwide, Brunson is the legendary “Babe Ruth of Poker”—the greatest gambler and poker player to ever live.

Poker, with its simple rules yet complex gameplay, has evolved far beyond a casual pastime for four friends around a table. With more than ten million players competing daily online, it has become a global phenomenon involving millions of dollars at stake. This reference book offers a comprehensive look at its history, legendary players, and the psychology behind the game. It covers everything from cheating, money, and casinos to rules, tournaments, movies, and championships. Additionally, it explores the impact of the Internet on poker and includes a dictionary of terms. The author, an expert teacher and consultant to professional players, provides detailed analysis and astute tips aimed at turning each reader into a winner. Whether you’re interested in the technical mastery required, the ability to anticipate and synthesize data, or just a dash of psychology and luck, this book has all you’ve ever wanted to know about the most practiced table sport in the world.

This book charts the incredible journey from “Big Deal” to “Bigger Deal,” capturing the essence of poker’s transformation over the years. The poker landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in the fifteen years since Anthony Holden’s classic book, “Big Deal,” was published. Back in 1988, when Holden participated in the World Series of Poker, the event attracted 167 entrants vying for a $270,000 prize. Fast forward to the 2006 WSOP, the setting for the climax of this book, and the scene had shifted dramatically with 8,773 players competing for a staggering first prize of $12 million, the largest in any sport. This seismic shift in poker’s popularity and scale can be attributed to the advent of the internet and television, which have sparked a global poker boom. Poker has shed its once murky image, evolving into a game with a newfound respectability, much to the chagrin of traditionalists. The infamous smoky rooms of the Horseshoe have been replaced by the glitzy tables of massive Las Vegas tournaments, now frequented by celebrities like Martin Sheen, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck, who have all embraced the game. In the UK, the television show “Late Night Poker,” attracting around 2 million viewers, has contributed to the game’s mainstream appeal, although Holden found himself excluded from the last series due to his exceptional performance.

In 2001, a self-made billionaire named Andy Beal from Texas entered the high-stakes poker room at the luxurious Bellagio casino in Las Vegas. He challenged some of the world’s top poker professionals, including Doyle Brunson, Chip Reese, Howard Lederer, and Jennifer Harman, to the richest poker game ever played. Each player started with $1 million, betting $10,000 and $20,000 per round. As the games escalated over the months, Andy became a formidable player, pushing his opponents out of their comfort zone by raising the stakes. By the end of this intense contest, over $20 million was on the table. This is the true story of the legendary Big Game, as told by Michael Craig, who takes you into the high-stakes world of professional gambling, filled with colorful characters, thrilling tales, and human drama.

Hailed as the ultimate poker book by both enthusiasts and critics, The Biggest Game in Town is now back in print by popular demand. Esteemed writer A. Alvarez explores the gritty, compulsive realm of high-stakes poker in Las Vegas, where coming in second only to winning is the thrill of losing. This book reveals a captivating underground world filled with unique ambiance and quirky characters. Described as “a magnificent book” by the San Francisco Chronicle, The Biggest Game in Town stands out as a truly exceptional work.

This book, now a true collector’s item due to its rarity and being out of print, sparked the modern gambling resurgence with its eloquent focus on groundbreaking concepts and analysis. Mike Caro presents his insights at their finest, making it a delight to read and straightforward to grasp. He guides you through which gambling forms are winnable and which are not. Out of its 23 thought-provoking chapters, poker is the subject of eight. This book stands as a testament to revolutionary thinking in gambling, by Mike Caro.

The Rough Guide to Poker is a comprehensive guide to the world’s most popular card game. It traces the game’s history from its inception on Mississippi riverboats to the current surge in online play and televised tournaments. The guide also highlights the game’s allure, glamour, and infamy, featuring famous poker personalities like Johnny Moss, Thomas “Amarillo Slim” Preston, Richard Nixon, Brad Pitt, and Ben Affleck. It also acknowledges the growing popularity of female players, such as actress Linda Fiorentino who secured her role in Men In Black through a poker game. The guide explores the global interest in poker, from its appearance in recent films to its prevalence on celebrity TV poker. It provides detailed instructions on various game versions, insider tips, and strategies for success. It also includes a comprehensive glossary of poker terms and recommends the best places to play, from Las Vegas casinos to top online sites.

The Autobiography of Doyle Brunson also known as ‘The Godfather of Poker’ is a captivating memoir by Doyle Brunson himself. This book takes readers on a journey, through his life starting from his origins in Texas and leading to his extraordinary ascent as one of the most accomplished and revered poker players worldwide. It delves into his experiences encompassing relationships, trials, triumphs and paints a vivid picture of his professional career. The pages are filled with gripping anecdotes from high stakes poker games, thrilling tournaments and the evolution of Brunson’s poker strategies. Moreover this book offers insights, into the world of poker throughout its history and introduces readers to influential personalities who have left an indelible mark on the game.

The writing style is impressive, believable, and engaging. It was a perilous era, and nearly all the men have passed. What a fantastic book! – Doyle Brunson, Poker Hall of Fame, author. The author’s writing skills are as commendable as his playing abilities. For poker stories, Johnny Hughes is the go-to person – Anthony Holden, London, President of the International Federation of Poker, author. A fascinating storyteller and passionate historian, he vividly brings characters to life with a unique style, painting vivid images with witty, lush descriptions that echo Tom Wolfe – Paul “Dr. Pauly” McGuire, author. He’s the William Manchester of poker history. His narratives illuminate the obscure corners of poker’s subculture, offering the best depiction of these unique characters – Nolan Dalla, Media Director, World Series of Poker, author. It’s the authentic tale of poker’s early days and its evolution into a phenomenon – Crandell Addington, Poker Hall of Fame.

David G. Schwartz unveils the untold story of Jay Sarno, the visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized Las Vegas and created the modern casino-resort. This captivating biography delves into Sarno’s life of extremes, from his early days securing funding from Jimmy Hoffa’s Teamsters Union to his legal battles with the federal government, represented by none other than Oscar Goodman. Schwartz also reveals surprising anecdotes, such as Steve Wynn’s unexpected role at Caesars Palace’s opening and how Sarno’s unbuilt masterpiece, Grandissimo, became the blueprint for the Las Vegas mega-resorts of the 1990s. This book offers a fresh perspective on the man who shaped Sin City and the fascinating history behind the glitz and glamour of America’s gambling capital.

James McManus was sent to Las Vegas by Harper’s Magazine in the spring of 2000 to cover the World Series of Poker, focusing on two main stories: the progress of women in the $23 million event and the murder of the tournament’s prodigal host, Ted Binion, allegedly committed by a stripper and her boyfriend. Upon arriving, McManus finds himself drawn to the tables, compelled to risk his entire Harper’s advance in a long-shot attempt to participate in the tournament himself. In Positively Fifth Street, he provides a deliciously suspenseful account of the tournament, detailing the players, the intense hand-to-hand combat, and his own unlikely progress. McManus also captures the delightfully seedy carnival atmosphere that surrounds the event.

Diary Of A Mad Poker Player chronicles the adventure of one player’s quest to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, spanning from March 30th to May 28th, 2004. It’s a realm where professional players enjoy celebrity status, and the tables are filled with a mix of frustrated amateurs, cunning cheats, industry insiders, legal aficionados, and tech-savvy entrepreneurs. The narrative provides an insider’s look at the pulsating heart of poker, from card-room dynamics to online platforms, all leading up to the pinnacle of poker competitions.

Poker is an easy game to learn and can be mastered to the point where you can yield profits and hours of enjoyment. As Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 World Series of Poker winner, famously said, “The beautiful thing about poker is that everybody thinks they can play.” This book will revisit this statement multiple times as we explore new and exciting ways to play the game properly, along with the fascinating history of the greatest gambling game ever played. By reading the chapters in this book, you will gain an understanding of tactical play unparalleled by other novice players, become aware of the fruitfulness and scope of the gamble, and discover ways to control your opponents with actions that make it seem as though you have dedicated years to the game without rigorous study. Your enjoyment will advance, your playing strength will increase, and you will develop an expert’s ability to plan your next move. The ordinary player who wants to play poker for fun must first overcome the hurdle of understanding the game. Once you feel you have mastered the cards to some extent, you will become a skillful adversary to your friends and even to the sharks at the casino. Having confidence in your game will allow you to fully enjoy all the pleasures that poker can offer, and that pleasure is considerable when your pockets are lined with profits.

This book discusses the impact of Chris Moneymaker’s victory in the 2003 World Series of Poker main event on the poker industry. Moneymaker, an amateur poker player, won the event and its $2.5 million prize after qualifying through an online satellite tournament with a $39 buy-in. His victory inspired millions of people to start playing poker, both online and in live tournaments, leading to a massive boom in the poker industry. The book explores how Moneymaker’s win changed the perception of poker from a game played by professionals and seasoned gamblers to one that anyone could learn and potentially succeed in. This phenomenon, known as the “Moneymaker Effect,” led to a significant increase in the number of poker players, the size of tournament prize pools, and the growth of online poker sites.

This is a collection of essays that explore the connections, between the widely popular card game of poker and various profound philosophical concepts. Through the lens of poker this book explores ethics, probability, decision making and human nature. The essays are thoughtfully written by a group of philosophers experienced poker players and scholars who cleverly use the game as a metaphor to delve into philosophical issues. With its perspective, on poker and captivating exploration of ideas this book offers readers an engaging journey worth venturing into.

The Poker Encyclopedia provides comprehensive coverage on a range of topics, from Alexander the Great’s association with the King of Clubs to Amarillo Slim, aggression, alcohol, and the Anna Kournikova pun. This is just a glimpse of what this book is about. This carefully curated and thoroughly researched reference book is a must-have for poker enthusiasts.

This book is about the author’s journey across the United States in search of the worst poker players. The author, an experienced poker player himself, sets out on a road trip to find and play against the weakest poker players in America, hoping to make a living from his winnings. The book is part travelogue, part poker strategy guide, and part character study, as Greenspan encounters a wide range of colorful characters and situations along the way. It provides an entertaining and insightful look into the world of poker, as well as the diverse landscape of America.

A book that offers an in-depth exploration of poker, covering its rich history, legendary figures, and notable players. This comprehensive guide delves into essential strategies, skills, and tactics, providing detailed rules of the game and valuable tips for success, making it an indispensable resource for players at all levels.

The book explores into the world of poker, covering the game’s world championship event and the eccentric characters it attracts, while compiling some of the strangest things said about poker and arguing that the past year was the oddest in the game’s history. Through meticulous research of long-forgotten poker archives, Sharpe has uncovered fascinating stories, such as the first-ever poker cheat who made a spectacle of himself in 1829, a game that reportedly lasted 24 years, a U.S. President who gambled away White House crockery, and a member of the Royal family who found great amusement in poker. The book also explores the divide between those who believe poker to be the most skilled contest ever devised and those who attribute success in the game to pure luck, catering to both novice players who barely understand the terminology and seasoned poker connoisseurs alike.

In his book, legendary poker champion Doyle Brunson shares fascinating anecdotes and adventures from his early career playing poker in roadhouses and with other great champions, interspersed with important lessons on what it takes to be a successful poker player. Brunson, who has made more money at poker than anyone else in the history of the game, provides insights into the mind of a great player, revealing his approach to the game and offering candid, powerful advice to readers. The book features a foreword by renowned poker authority Mike Caro, who hails Brunson as “the greatest poker player who ever lived.”

Lyle Berman, a unique blend of high-stakes poker maverick and entrepreneurial tycoon, shares his incredible life story in I’m All In, a thrilling journey through the exhilarating and often treacherous worlds of high-stakes gambling and business. As a driving force behind the poker phenomenon that has captivated America and the world, Berman offers an unprecedented look into the creation and early challenges of the World Poker Tour, permanently changing the face of poker. Through colorful anecdotes and hard-earned wisdom, Berman illuminates his life, the game of poker, and the national phenomenon it has become, making I’m All In a must-read story that only he can tell.

Bestselling author and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Colson Whitehead, was given $10,000 by Grantland magazine in 2011 to participate in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Despite never having played in a casino tournament, Whitehead had six weeks to train in Atlantic City. His journey, marked by joy, heartbreak, and the challenge of balancing family life, culminated in a multimillion-dollar tournament in Vegas. Whitehead’s account of his experience is entertaining, ironic, and surprisingly profound.

This brilliant anthology of poker-themed short stories features works from authors like Anthony Holden, Patrick Marber, Neil Pearson, and Jennifer Tilly, with an introduction by Al Alvarez. The collection, curated by Holden, includes a diverse range of narratives that offer a deep insight into human nature, making it more than just a book about a popular card game. It also features a poem from Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

Gambling is an activity that many of us engage in, whether it’s a trip to a casino or a home game of poker. However, gambling, or aspects of it, can be found in many unexpected places, including history. This book revisits historical moments where gambling played a crucial role. First, it defines exactly what gambling is and explain why both luck and skill (or the lack thereof) are important. It also introduce the concept of non-self-weighting strategies, which happen to be the optimal way to gamble. Next, it explores historical events where significant gambles were made, sometimes with positive outcomes and sometimes with negative ones. It uncovers numerous instances where aspects of gambling influenced the course of history. Specifically, It examines how poor Goliath never stood a chance, how Hernan Cortes was the luckiest man who ever lived, and how the Spanish Armada employed the wrong strategy. It shows how Confederate General Braxton Bragg demonstrated that it is better to be lucky than good, and how Union General William T. Sherman understood the importance of poker. How Wyatt Earp dealt with troublemakers, how middleweight champion Stanley Ketchel was flattened by a Jack Johnson punch, and how Winston Churchill gave the English a fighting chance in World War II. It also explores how Benito Mussolini was what knowledgeable gamblers would call a “live one,” how Leon Trotsky saved Soviet Russia, and how a rainstorm may have saved the United States

Alvarez narrates poker’s history, featuring legendary stories, players, and hands. From Nick the Greek’s five-month marathon against Johnny Moss to the World Series of Poker, Alvarez presents a vibrant subculture. The book is enriched with poker-inspired art, ads, movie stills, and photos, celebrating poker as a lifestyle, not just a card game.

This book offers insights, into the world of professional poker. Brunson shares his experiences, approaches and invaluable tips that contributed to his remarkable success in the game. From selecting the games to managing bankrolls and analyzing opponents behavior the author covers a wide range of poker related topics. Moreover readers will find captivating anecdotes and real life stories from Brunsons journey that shed light on both the triumphs and challenges he faced along the way. This book serves as a source of inspiration and knowledge for aspiring poker players who are looking to enhance their skills and attain their victories, in this exhilarating game.

Cowboys Full offers a lively and definitive history of poker, charting its journey from its origins in China, the Middle East, and Europe to becoming a global sensation. The book outlines how poker evolved from a French parlor game to a national obsession in the United States by the Civil War era. It further explores the game’s transition from being monopolized by cardsharps to its current status as the most popular card game across Europe, East Asia, Australia, South America, and in the realms of cyberspace and television. James McManus investigates poker’s profound influence on American culture, as evidenced in Frederic Remington’s artwork, as well as in numerous novels, movies, and plays dedicated to the game. From the back rooms of saloons to the parlors of U.S. presidents, Cowboys Full is both raucous and fascinating, capturing the essence of a game that reveals much about who we are and how we function.

This collection of captivating and informative essays sees Spanier exploring his ultimate favorite game: poker. From a frank recounting of his first encounter with gambling as a student at a top-tier English boarding school, to an intriguing study of online gambling through internet poker communities, Spanier guides us through the vibrant and thrilling universe of poker.