How do you use poker books?

[RacersEdge]

Do you read as many books as possible as fast as possible? Do you read books slowly to have time to think of the concepts while you play? Do you try to read every book twice right away?

I'm curious how people learn from poker books. What's the best way to incorporate what you read into game play?

[Grumbo]

I read them pretty slowly so that I remember things better. I highlight parts that I think are important and usually focus on these parts when I read it a second time. After finishing a few chapters I will go back and read what I have highlighted so that it further sinks in.

[deacsoft]

I do the following...
1. Read it cover to cover.
2. Read it again and take notes.
3. Read it a third time to make sure I didn't miss anything.
4. Write a review.
5. Put it on shelf above my computers for quick & easy reference.

*I also try to keep study groups going every so often on the forums to help myself and everyone else get a better understanding of a book.
*Books that are not good I generally will not read a third time. They are usually read twice, have a review written, and are put on the shelf to collect dust.
*Books that are outstanding will be read numerous times (much more than three) over the course of my poker playing career.

[yukoncpa]

Here's an example:
Byron Jacobs - How Good Is Your Limit Holdem.

I read the book very slowly, answering every question without cheating. I marked my answers right in the book.
Then I scored myself and marked the correct answers in pen right in the book.
Then I read the book casually. Paying particular attention to the explanations of the problems.

Then I re-read, taking many notes in my own words and writing them right in the book, I included in my notes similar problems and examples from my own play that I queried people on two-plus-two about.

[SFBAY23]

Depending on the book (some are much more mentally draining than others) it is probably best to read through once. Play and let it sit for a bit (a bit = 2 day to several weeks... whatever feels right) Then go back and re-visit several sections to drill in. Either take notes, highlight, whatever method works for you.

When doing a readthrough, depending on the structure of the book, I like to read a section/chapter then immediately go play for a while... it helps to soak in, and also helps to seperate out different material in the books.

Also depends what you're trying to learn, e.g. NL tourneys, small stakes cash etc.

Good luck!

[Poker Plan]

Keep re-reading until you can "honestly" say you understand every part- for the parts you don't understand or need further clarification- write a post on 2+2 and seek advice.

that's why I'm on my 5th read of SSHE!

Ian

[portisfreak]

Instructions for use:

Read.
Re-read.
If you spring a leak, re-read a particular section.

[fl0w]

My desk is too high for my chair so I usually just sit on them..

[pocketse7ens]

Read, re-read taking notes, re-read the parts I still don't understand.

[ptmusic]

I usually read it fairly quickly once. Then I read it again, underlining/highlighting and writing notes in the margins for the important strategic concepts. Then I dog ear the 3 or 4 most important sections to me and refer back to these sections many, many times.

For a few lame books, I have only read it once and then put it away forever. For a few very good books, I have gone much further than the steps above. I have created spreadsheets, many Word documents, and/or pages of notes in the backs of those books.