Jared Tendler gained recognition in the early 2000s with his book "The Mental Game of Poker", released in two volumes. It reveals aspects of poker psychology that few had previously shared with the public.
Before poker, Tendler helped professional golfers manage stress and avoid anxiety-induced mistakes. He is not just an author and theorist, but also an experienced coach. Famous professionals seek his help and advice, and throughout his career, Jared has worked with over 300 poker players. Thousands have probably found use and advice in his books.
Jared Tendler is arguably the world's most successful poker psychologist. In his own words, he's “been a mental game coach since 2005.” More recently, he wrote The Mental Game of Trading (2021).
The Mental Game of Poker – 2011
The Mental Game of Poker by Jared Tendler and Barry Carter is a groundbreaking book that delves into the often overlooked but crucial aspect of poker: the mental game.
Tendler's work benefits poker players who want to overcome psychological issues that hinder consistent winning. The initial chapters delve into psychological fundamentals, explaining how emotions affect the game, what tilt is, and how to manage it. The book examines various types of psychological instability, defining each and offering advice on overcoming difficult situations.
Jared's work promises to provide readers with:
- Self-confidence
- Ability to handle common types of tilt
- Understanding how to fix psychological errors in your game
- Insight into the origins and management of fear
- Sources of motivation to reach new goals
Reader Reviews:
If you're interested in psychological self-development, we recommend purchasing the e-book or finding the two volumes in print. You can also find audiobook excerpts on YouTube.
Most reviews of "The Mental Game of Poker" are positive. Readers appreciate the author's thorough approach to describing and analyzing various aspects of poker players' psychology.
Lex Veldhuis of PokerStars calls it “the best poker book ever written, and it’s not even close.” However, some critics call it the best in its genre only because it lacks alternatives.
The Mental Game of Poker 2 – 2013
The Mental Game of Poker 2 by Jared Tendler is a must-read book for serious poker players looking to improve their mental game and consistently play in the zone.
The author calls it “All new material,” going further than Tendler's groundbreaking first book, providing proven techniques to help players increase their mental endurance and play their A-game more frequently.
Tendler breaks down the elusive concept of "the zone" and outlines clear steps for players to reach this state of optimal performance consistently. The book teaches strategies to play longer poker sessions, improve decision-making, learn faster, eliminate costly mistakes, and increase focus and discipline at the tables.
Other Similar Poker Books to Check Out
Here are some other highly recommended poker psychology books by authors other than Jared Tendler:
- "The Psychology of Poker" by Alan N. Schoonmaker – This book explores the psychological profiles of different player types, categorizing them into Loose Passive, Loose Aggressive, Tight Passive, and Tight Aggressive. Schoonmaker discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each type and provides strategies for exploiting their tendencies. As a retired psychologist who plays low-stakes games, Schoonmaker frames the psychological concepts strictly in the context of poker to make it a very readable and interesting book.
- "Caro's Book of Poker Tells" by Mike Caro – Considered a classic in poker tell literature, this book covers a wide range of physical and verbal tells. Caro breaks down each tell in detail, providing photos and real-world examples to illustrate the concepts. While some of the information may be a bit dated, Caro's insights into human behavior at the poker table remain valuable for players looking to gain an edge through observation.
- "Reading Poker Tells" by Zachary Elwood – Published in 2012, this book serves as an updated take on the classic tells covered in Caro's work. Elwood organizes the book into sections on Waiting-For-Action, During-Action, and Post-Bet tells, providing a clear framework for interpreting opponent behavior. The author's experience as a professional player shines through in his practical insights and contemporary examples.
These books offer valuable insights into poker psychology from different perspectives, ranging from academic research to real-world experience. By studying these works, players can develop a deeper understanding of the mental game and learn to apply psychological concepts to their play at the tables.
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