Cover of The Mental Game of Poker

The Mental Game of Poker

Many poker players have felt the thrill of playing in the zone, when every decision comes easily and losses seem to bounce off. Then the feeling vanishes, and it cannot be recovered by willpower alone. This book takes that elusive state seriously. Written by a coach who works with players on the mental side of the game, it explains what being in the zone really involves and sets out practical steps for reaching it more often. Topics include staying focused over long sessions, making sharper decisions, learning faster, and cutting out careless mistakes that come from a poor state of mind. It builds on the author's earlier work on managing tilt.

Audience
adult

Click a tag to see books like this one that share it. Point at it (on a phone, tap it) for less of it instead.

Read it? Sign in to help tag it.

Liked The Mental Game of Poker? Here’s where I’d start.

These suit anyone who liked The Mental Game of Poker. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.

  1. The Poker Mindset Shares poker, psychology, games
  2. The Psychology of Poker Shares poker, psychology, nonfiction
  3. Caro's Book of Poker Tells Shares poker, games, psychology
  4. Elements of Poker Shares poker, nonfiction

“People who read The Mental Game of Poker tend to reach for these next.”

  1. Harrington on Online Cash Games: 6-Max No-Limit Hold 'em
  2. Professional No-Limit Hold 'em: Volume I
  3. Every Hand Revealed
  4. The Theory of Poker

“If you want more of the same (psychology about games), start with these.”

  1. The Invisible Game: The Mindset of a Winning Team
  2. Chess for Zebras
  3. The Functions of Role-Playing Games: How Participants Create Community, Solve Problems and Explore Identity
  4. Play Matters

“If it was the poker that hooked you, try one of these.”

  1. Applications of No-Limit Hold 'em: A Guide to Understanding Theoretically Sound Poker
  2. The Poker Tournament Formula
  3. Harrington on Hold 'em: Expert Strategy for No-Limit Tournaments, Volume I: Strategic Play
  4. No Limit Hold 'em: Theory and Practice

“These start from a similar idea, even if they go somewhere else with it.”

  1. Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: GameMastery Guide
  2. Poker Wisdom of a Champion
  3. Real Grinders: How to Play Poker for a Living
  4. Beauty and the Running Back