Books About The History and Culture of Poker

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.

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.

This book discusses the impact of Chris Moneymaker’s victory in the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) 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.

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.

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.

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.

This book recounts some of the most bizarre, unusual, and memorable hands in the history of poker. The author, a gambling expert, delves into the world of poker to bring readers a collection of extraordinary stories that showcase the unpredictable nature of the game. These true stories include tales of incredible luck, unbelievable bluffs, and jaw-dropping coincidences, all of which have taken place at the poker table. The book is a fascinating and entertaining read for poker enthusiasts and casual readers alike, offering a unique insight into the strange and often unbelievable world of poker.