I've got some time to study poker over the next couple of months, and I really want to work on my cognizance of the game. I have read Play Optimal Poker by Andrew Brokos, and although pretty good, it didn't really leave me with much more than a more conceptual understanding of the general aspects of the game.

I essentially have 3 books that I know are highly commended: Grinder's Manual, APPLICATIONS, and Modern Poker Theory. I'm not sure if I'll have time to read more than one, and will likely not be able to study one completely. From my skim-reading so far, it seems like APPLICATIONS might be very rewarding, however MPT might be more practical, especially given it's recent publication. The Grinder's Manual seems to be more of a reference book almost. I haven't really studied many of the chapters, but I feel like it might be more of something to skim after reading another book or two?

Idk, what do you think? Has anyone read all 3 of these?

MPT is great for understanding preflop ranges and the way they interact with villain ranges. For 100bb+ stacks, you have to really extrapolate the post-flop ideas because Acevedo specifically uses stack sizes of 40bb and smaller. Applications is older but explores many useful concepts. Grinders is very useful for understanding online stats and how to use them to crush opponents. I'd read all three but start with MPT bc a good game starts with a good understanding of preflop ranges. Imho.

I don't think the great poker books have been written yet. Agree about Brokos' POP, that's the one book that finally hammered home indifference for me. Tempted by the sequel. If I was going to try any other book it would be the Tipton heads up series, which are supposed to still be gud.

Waste of time reading GM if you have been reading both vol of Brokos books. Get some ranges and start playing.