10 Non-Poker Books that Will Improve Your Poker Game

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1. The Art of War by Sun Tzu

The Art of War, compiled by Sun Tzu in the 6th century B.C., is the world’s oldest surviving military treatise. Long revered as the definitive guide to strategy and tactics on the battlefield, its timeless wisdom is now being applied in the boardroom, on the playing field, and everywhere challenges must be faced. Required reading for U.S. Marine commandants, The Art of War has inspired generals from Douglas MacArthur to Norman Schwazkopf. But it has also been used by top executives, sports coaches, political strategists, lawyers, salesmen, pick-up artists, and Survivor contestants. Whatever your arena of battle, The Art of War will help you overcome overcome every obstacle along the path to success. Visit www.bestsuccessbooks.net to view our other new, inexpensive editions of the greatest success books of all time. (Amazon.com)

2. Game Theory: A Nontechnical Introduction by Morton D. Davis

A fascinating, accessible introduction to enormously important intellectual system with numerous applications to social, economic, political problems. Newly revised edition offers overview of game theory, then lucid coverage of the two-person zero-sum game with equilibrium points; the general, two-person zero-sum game; utility theory; other topics. Problems at start of each chapter. (Amazon.com)

3. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

Faith in yourself makes good things happen to you. This classic guide to self-esteem and success will help you learn how to: break the worry habit; get other people to like you; avoid “the jitters” in your daily work; believe in yourself and everything you do; develop the power to reach your goals, and so much more. (Amazon.com)

4. Fooled By Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Lfe and in the Markets by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

In this look at financial luck, hedge fund manager Taleb (Dynamic Hedging) addresses the apparently irrational movement of money markets around the world. Using his own investing experience and examples of others’ successes and disappointments, he discusses theories like Monte Carlo math (easy; considered cheating by purists) and the concept of Russian roulette. Taleb tells interesting, well-wrought stories about individual behavior: “While Nero has succeeded beyond his wildest dreams, both personally and intellectually, he is starting to consider himself as having missed a chance somewhere.” While serious investors and mathematics enthusiasts will be intrigued, readers looking for practical investment strategies will be disappointed by this rambling intellectual discourse. Tables. 40,000-copy first printing; $150,000 marketing budget.

5. The Better Brain Book by Dr. David Perlmutter

Playing into our culture’s obsession with maintaining youthfulness, neurologist Perlmutter and coauthor Colman say the “typical” signs of brain aging—losing your keys, forgetting appointments, having trouble multitasking—aren’t necessarily inevitable and are actually preventable. They divide their book into three tiers: factors affecting mental function, tools for developing a better brain and specific brain disorders. Perlmutter, who runs a Florida health center, is quite concerned with showing how brain aging can be prevented and clarity can be regained by making dietary adjustments. He and Colman also warn of the dangers of using prescription or OTC drugs that may be “interfering with your brain’s ability to function at optimal levels.” (Publishers Weekly)

6. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

Blink is about the first two seconds of looking–the decisive glance that knows in an instant. Gladwell, the best-selling author of The Tipping Point, campaigns for snap judgments and mind reading with a gift for translating research into splendid storytelling. Building his case with scenes from a marriage, heart attack triage, speed dating, choking on the golf course, selling cars, and military maneuvers, he persuades readers to think small and focus on the meaning of “thin slices” of behavior. The key is to rely on our “adaptive unconscious”–a 24/7 mental valet–that provides us with instant and sophisticated information to warn of danger, read a stranger, or react to a new idea. (Amazon.com)

7. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Now that he’s gotten us talking about the viral life of ideas and the power of gut reactions, Malcolm Gladwell poses a more provocative question in Outliers: why do some people succeed, living remarkably productive and impactful lives, while so many more never reach their potential? (Hint: Practice, Practice, Practice) (Amazon.com)

8. Play To Win: Choosing Growth Over Fear in Work and Life by Larry Wilson

With a nod to Abraham Maslow and his theory of self-actualization, the Wilsons challenge readers to “thrive instead of survive,” grow up emotionally and spiritually, and think in new ways. For them winning is not beating out others but avoiding the mindset of simply “playing not to lose.” Presented effectively in low-key, straightforward fashion, this book is based on techniques Wilson’s firm has developed and utilized in work with more than 500,000 persons. (Booklist)

9. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink

According to Pink (A Whole New Mind), everything we think we know about what motivates us is wrong. He pits the latest scientific discoveries about the mind against the outmoded wisdom that claims people can only be motivated by the hope of gain and the fear of loss. Pink cites a dizzying number of studies revealing that carrot and stick can actually significantly reduce the ability of workers to produce creative solutions to problems. What motivates us once our basic survival needs are met is the ability to grow and develop, to realize our fullest potential. (Publishers Weekly)

10. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covery

Stephen Covey, an internationally respected leadership authority, realizes that true success encompasses a balance of personal and professional effectiveness, so this book is a manual for performing better in both arenas. His anecdotes are as frequently from family situations as from business challenges. (Amazon.com)