Has the rise of training sites seen the end of theory books?

SpencerJames

I recently went into a few book shops to try and find a good plo book. I try and brush up on theory reading all the time, whether it is a new book or browsing over an old one. However, there seemed to be less and less poker books around. I can remember when i first started playing there were hundreds of poker books to choose from.

Can anyone give me a definitive answer on whether the theory book industry has hit the wall? Must say I think its a shame if it has, I always enjoy picking up a book and reading it, especially on travels.

And can anyone recommend a good plo book?

And can anyone recommend a good training site for mid stakes plo?

baz2007

don't know if u have seen it already rory but "jeff hwang big play strategy" is ok.

Daithio9

I hear Phill Babb just brought out a book entilted " How to crush online HS NL and PLO in a week and go broke the following week". Well worth a read imo.

zuutroy

The games evolve much to quickly these days for print media to be an effective method of training delivery.

wannabecraig

Yeah, you really need an e-book for this type of thing now unless you're starting out.
Super System 2 has a PLO section, by Harman IIRC.

Tri Nyguen (spelling) aka 'slowhabbit' and Cloe South 'cts' bring out a book or so a year, their releasing one atm. But they'll run you about 1.5K. in fact 'let there be range', will run you 1.8K right now. That's NLHE but the same will apply to PLO.

There are usually a few decent free ebooks in the style of 'Ryan Fee's 6 Max Guide' knocking about the decent forums. Print them out, cheaper and more up to date.

JimmyCrackCorn!

I started with books. Still learning mostly from books.

Its allot easier to read a book before going to sleep. I don't know anything about e-books

As a nub id be lost without books and over the short-term between here and the few books iv read id don't do too bad.

dannydiamond

Rolf Slotblooms plo book is supposed to be very good.

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Professional-Pot-Limit-Omaha-Slotboom/dp/1904468306

hotspur

If you read or reread poker books to brush up on your game then you're a poker dinosaur. They were always crap, but now that we have had a valuable medium for learning for years in the training sites it is genuinely an lol at anyone who wants to read books by celebrity donkament players to improve their game.

I wouldn't fancy your chances of going into battle against a 10c/25c player if you are armed with poker books as your technology.

toHex

price point is probably a big differentiator. books dont need a monthly sub.

eagle eye

hotspur wrote: »

If you read or reread poker books to brush up on your game then you're a poker dinosaur. They were always crap, but now that we have had a valuable medium for learning for years in the training sites it is genuinely an lol at anyone who wants to read books by celebrity donkament players to improve their game.

I wouldn't fancy your chances of going into battle against a 10c/25c player if you are armed with poker books as your technology.

Any book by Sklansky is worth a read, especially the more advanced ones. Training sites are good but you should know the math and know the game before you go near them.

fatguy

I'd much rather read a book than watch a video. A video takes too long and doesn't hold my attention. I can read a book at my own (fast) pace.

H8GHOTI

eagle eye wrote: »

Any book by Sklansky is worth a read, especially the more advanced ones. Training sites are good but you should know the math and know the game before you go near them.

But there are vids available that teach the math & the basics.

Mellor

Rory, I understand your point. And I'd also prefer if books were more relevant. This is purely due to the fact that I like to read, and books are more accessible when traveling.

But, books just aren't sustainable for a game such as poker is one of the most dynamic games in the world. There is no consistent strategy outside of the basics. If somebody made a book of current optimal strategy for PLO. As soon as people try to use it, the optimal strategy will likely change. Books are obsolete before they are finished.
It's not the training sites that have made the books obsolete, its the popularity of the game now. 30 years ago, when super system first came out. If you read it, you could of easily been the only guy in a whole poker room that had read any sort of theory. Now, everyone is studying the game, books can't possibly keep up.


The only place for books is the beginner (or somebody taking up a new variant).

Sklansky's NLHE - For basic NL theory
Harrington on HE 1&2 - For basic tourney strategy
Super System 2 - For general overview and starting up new games, plo, 7 stud, 3xDraw, Razz etc

Outside of these three, I wouldn't suggest any more to a beginner.