TOP and NLTAP

magx · #1 08-09-2007, 10:02 AM

Which one i should read first ? some say NLTAP is expand of TOP(and specific to NL) so i should read TOP and some say i shouldnt read TOP at all.
i play NL games...

Sharagoz · #2 08-09-2007, 03:01 PM

I think you should read TOP first. TOP is about poker in general, not no limit hold 'em spesifically like NLTAP. TOP talks about theoretical concepts that apply to all or most forms of poker like pot odds, implied odds, semi-bluffing, value betting, check-raising, etc. I recomend you read it if you havent read much poker theory before. It might change the way you think about poker.
Definatly read NLTAP later though, and if you're only gonna read one, pick that one. You'll probably find NLTAP a lot more usefull (in a direct way) and more exciting than TOP, but you wont become a great poker player without a good understanding of the concepts in TOP.

deviouz · #3 08-09-2007, 07:49 PM

TOP?

Mitternacht · #4 08-09-2007, 09:26 PM

Theory of Poker

cjk73 · #5 08-10-2007, 08:56 AM

You'll need to read both at least two times anyway (prob three) so it's a coinflip IMO. FWIW, I found NLTAP a much quicker read.

Also, many of TOP hand examples use Non-Holdem games (for obvious reasons) so if you are more comfortable with HE examples then that may be a consideration as well.

pocketse7ens · #6 08-10-2007, 09:26 AM

Theory of Poker. Read it. Play. Re-read. Play some more, Re-read, etc.

Jetto · #7 08-10-2007, 03:10 PM

TOP first to build an understanding then go on to NLTAP.

TOP Is a great book. and is worth a re-re-read

Albert Moulton · #8 08-11-2007, 03:06 PM

[ QUOTE ]
TOP first to build an understanding then go on to NLTAP.

TOP Is a great book. and is worth a re-re-read

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. TOP has a lot of well explained, fundamental concepts that PNLHE assumes you already understand. Things like the Fundamental Theory of Poker.