The book concludes with Chris Moneymaker’s championship victory in 2003, which provides the perfect stopping point on what would become an entirely different era. The two authors provide lots of groundbreaking new material about how and why certain traditions began, acquired from extensive interviews and painstaking research. Moreover, works of fiction could be another category.Īll In: The (Almost) Entirely True Story of the World Series of Poker, by Storms Reback and Jonathan Grotenstein (2002) - This is the first book to chronicle the expansive history of the World Series of Poker, which first spawned from a gaggle of gamblers who assembled in Reno during the late 1960s. Strategy books are not included and deserve a separate list. I’ll proceed in reverse order, starting with the “honorable mention” category, ultimately leading up to my top choice. By “narrative,” I mean a book that chronicles events that actually happened.Īfter reviewing the many books I’ve read over the years (and I think I’ve covered all the major titles), here’s my list of the most important non-fiction books ever written about poker. Yet, considering poker’s long and rich history which traces way back to the foundation of the republic, including all the colorful characters who have partaken in its enticement, it’s puzzling as to why an abundance of great non-fiction narratives about poker don’t exist. Indeed, to make my list, the book had to represent a historical breakthrough. The best authors even took risks and made sacrifices in pursuit of new subject matter and came to unexpected conclusions.

This applies to the way others look at the game and the way we see ourselves. A meaningful poker book challenges old assumptions we once held and reshapes our vision. Certainly, there’s some crossover too, but the most meaningful poker books are those rare few texts which broadened poker’s mass appeal and gave us a greater understanding of things we didn’t know before.

That said, there’s a difference between the “best” poker books and those which have had the greatest impact on the game and how it’s widely perceived. I think that’s because there’s still a fair amount of curiosity, even intrigue when it comes to poker - especially among those who don’t play regularly and know little about the game, or the people in it. I get this question more often from non-players than players. I’m frequently asked which are my favorite poker books. The Ten Most Important Poker Books Ever Written and Why They’re EssentialĪfter reviewing the many books I’ve read over the years (and I think I’ve covered all the major titles), here’s my list of the most important non-fiction books ever written about poker.

Old famous poker player