Dear Expert Guide,

What information is available, be it in websites or books, on poker psychology? Mainly focusing on reading opponents such as body language and facial expressions or even elaborate enough to explain the effect of winning streaks, physically larger players, playing atmosphere, etc. Obviously reading players would be worth the study but what about the more elaborate stuff? Is it worth the research and study?

Thanks

Hi,

I rarely speak in absolutes when discussing poker, but it is absolutely worth the reading and study!!! The leading work is Mike Caro's "Book of Tells," just released in a second edition. Two other extremely important books on the psychological aspects are "The Psychology of Poker," by Alan Schoonmaker, and "The Zen of Poker," by Larry Phillips. It's only not worth the research and study if you enjoy getting your brains beat in. Poker is a people game played with cards, not a card game played by people, at least once you get out of the penny-ante level. One of the reasons I win as easily as I do is I'm focused far more on psychology than a lot of my card-obsessed opponents. You asked about websites, and if you spend much time at poker.casino.com, or subscribe to the free Wednesday Nite Poker newsletter, you'll see that many of my articles deal with the psychological aspects of poker—both your psychology, and that of your opponents.

Andy Glazer