I want to start going to the local casinos and playing the 1/2 NL games. I would describe myself as an ABC player who wants to learn the deeper strategical aspects of the game. I know very basic stuff like which starting hands are good, position, pot odds, etc. Right now I own Theory of Poker, Professional No Limit Hold Em, and No Limit Hold Em: Theory and Practice. I read through TOP and it was a bit of information overload. I feel like it will be more valuable once I'm playing and thinking about poker more often. The introduction to NLHET&P recommends Getting Started in Hold Em by Ed Miller for newbies, any thoughts on this book?

Getting Started is for a real beginner and you have everything it says covered in more detail in the books you have read. Given that, " it depends. " if you want to start out in live games playing a short-stack GSIHE outlines a sensible strategy. i personally think that is the best way to become acclimated to a casino game. ss is simply play like a ubernit then get the $ in fast when you do get two good cards. no real tough decisions because you're only playing two streets. by folding so much preflop, you have a lot of time to watch the game. make a game within the game for yourself by taking a concept from NLHE T&P and see how it plays out by real people playing for real money. note : ss play is generally considered a mortal sin on 2+2 but at least 2/3 of the posts are either made flippantly or out of ignorance. when you're ready to move to $2/$5 ( and it's hard to over emphasize bankroll consideratons ) playing short-stacked is a good way to see the similarities and differences one level up. see ed miller's november 2007 article re short-stack play.

i recommend buying miller's new book "how to read hands at nlhe". about $50 on amazon. if even a cursory read doesn't save or make you a few extra hundred dollars either start your poker education over or consider a hobby that doesn't involve risking money.

cardplayer magazine is worth the subscription price even is you read nothing but miller and schoonmaker articles.

the nlhe live low stacks for has more good information than a sane person can handle. the concept of the month series are very helpful. the play a hand with me are excellent to get you thinking; just be careful - some posts can be taken to the bank but many are really worse than worthless .

i would also suggest jared tendler's "the mental game of poker" ( about $40 ). it's tough to win even if you can do equity calculations in an instant if you don't have a decent understanding of what makes you tick.

good luck and always try to have fun.

I would recommend the book from Miller that stran said before.

Just study the game, Have fun and results will come.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the recommendations, I'll definitely check them out. I didn't even consider a subscription to Cardplayer, that's a great idea.

One more question, is Hold Em Poker for Advanced Players worth reading or is it more for limit games?

limit

see live low stakes forum "recommened reading list" - ongoing thread about books to read

i don't have time to find the link but there are some threads about simple casino behavior, etc. that will help anybody new to casinos. simple stuff like tipping, acting in turn,etc.

don't forget to read nlhe rules and spend a few minutes discussing how your casino handles various situations; there is far more inconsistency than i first imagined and a mistake can be costly. particularily vexing are the rules about crossing the betting line with your chips re what is the bet. personal example - the interpretation of these rules at harrahs chester pa differs from what i was used to in atlantic city; difference cost me a stack. obviously my own dumb fault but you need to know these things in a casino.

Ken Warren Teaches Texas Hold 'Em is an underrated but excellent book. I highly recommend it. Arguably the best starter book out there.

Harrington on Cash Games Vol 1 & 2 are also good reads.

Sklansky's "Theory of Poker" is an absolute must read. Also if you're a newer/novice player, check out "Decide to Play Great Poker" by Anne Duke. That was the first poker book I ever read and it really lays things out for you.

GOLD

You should definitely spend some time in the Brick & Mortar and Mortar & Brick forums on this site. There's no strat talk in there, but there are tons of threads about scenarios and situations an inexperienced player can be hurt by if you do not know what to expect. The room you want to play in may also have a thread in the Venues subforum of B&M so you can get lots of specific info on your room.