I been playing Texas holdem poker cash games and some tournaments since 2006. I checked out a few books from the library here and there, but I never read one cover to cover. I figured just reading google searches, poker sites like this one, magazines in the poker rooms, YouTube videos, and now TikTok's, that I am learning enough. I plan to buy some poker books, read them, study them and I wonder if they are truly necessary? I know there are threads about which books to read as a beginner, but is there a book where you're not a beginner, but not advanced either, that someone will recommend?

The reason I never finished the books I checked out was because they seemed long and boring to be honest. I felt like I already knew certain things, and also skipping chapters, I realized that some of it was difficult to follow, but this was years ago. I am hoping it is easier this time around. I am not sure why I want to read poker books this time around, but I hope it helps and makes me a winning player.

No resource is "truly necessary", everything is just part of a toolset which might make you a better player (if used correctly)

There are plenty of good poker books out there that can help players of all levels. Good resources are better material than all but the best free poker YouTube content etc.

The Play Optimal Poker books are pretty good for an intermediate player looking to better understand the game, but you get out what you put in. Janda's second book (NLHE for Advanced Players) is a bit less dense and can probably teach you a lot.

I will probably get some crap for this, but to this day I still find to be Theory of Poker by Sklansky to be useful. From understanding the correct play in odd and strange situations that occasionally arise at the poker table, to understanding why and how player adjustments should be made against specific players, I have found that book to be a great base.

Poker books can be a valuable resource for both beginner and experienced players alike. While there is no substitute for playing and gaining experience, books can provide a structured way to learn new concepts and strategies, as well as reinforce and clarify existing knowledge.

It's great that you have been using various sources to learn and improve your game, but keep in mind that not all sources are equally reliable or accurate. Poker books written by respected and experienced authors can provide a more comprehensive and reliable source of information.

As for which book to read, it depends on your specific goals and level of experience. For an intermediate player who wants to improve their game, some recommended books include "The Theory of Poker" by David Sklansky, "Harrington on Hold'em" by Dan Harrington, "Small Stakes No-Limit Hold'em" by Ed Miller, Sunny Mehta, and Matt Flynn, and "The Mental Game of Poker" by Jared Tendler and Barry Carter.

It's important to note that reading a book cover to cover may not be necessary or even the most effective way to learn. You can focus on specific topics or sections that are relevant to your game, and take the time to fully understand and apply the concepts presented.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that poker books are not a substitute for actual practice and experience at the tables. Use the information you learn in books to inform and improve your play, but be sure to apply it in actual games and adjust your strategies based on your opponents and the specific situation at hand.