• How to Be a Poker Player

  • The Philosophy of Poker
  • By: Haseeb Qureshi
  • Narrated by: Haseeb Qureshi
  • Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (262 ratings)

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How to Be a Poker Player

By: Haseeb Qureshi
Narrated by: Haseeb Qureshi
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Publisher's summary

What does it take to be a great poker player?

It's no secret that masters of poker think differently than ordinary people. In this truly groundbreaking audiobook, Haseeb Qureshi, retired world-class high stakes poker pro and instructor, takes you on a journey of rediscovering the game of poker from the inside out. He explores the depths of strategy, psychology, and philosophy within poker, and teaches you his uniquely scientific perspective on approaching the game.

Whether you've seen all the guides and want to take your game to the next level, or whether you're an amateur wanting to learn what it's all about, this game-changing audiobook is a must-listen. In the words of WPT World Champion David Williams, "An absolute requirement for anyone serious about poker."

©2013-2014 Haseeb Qureshi (P)2014 Haseeb Qureshi
  • Unabridged Audiobook

What listeners say about How to Be a Poker Player

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Not what you will expect

This was a fantastic book, but for different reasons than other poker books. Haseeb does not waste time discussing every aspect of poker theory. Instead he focused on how to program yourself to develop into a high level player; which includes everything from lifestyle design to the many overlooked nuances of gambling for a living. This book has changed my life and made me realize that playing poker is actually not my passion and that by continuing on my path I'm only hurting myself and others. It does not fit my lifestyle design. But this will not be the case for everyone of course. If you have any intention of playing poker seriously I recommend this book to you and I suggest that you be very honest with yourself as you absorb the content. If poker is for you than this book can become your bible. If not, you will save yourself a lot of time, money and pain for having read this. Best of luck to everyone.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Incredible Bridge from Cognitive Biases to Poker

Where does How to Be a Poker Player rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

"How to Be a Poker Player" ranks number two, not just among all the audiobooks I've listened to so far, but among every book I've ever read or listened to. The only audiobook/book I enjoyed more than Haseeb's is the 2002 Nobel Prize winner, Daniel Kahneman's Thinking: Fast and Slow. Not bad for only getting beat by a Nobel Prize winner.

What about Haseeb Qureshi’s performance did you like?

I feel that most of the time when an audiobook is read by its author, the emphases tend to be a little too dramatic, and the author comes off a little too forceful. However, just like his 3betting range on the river, Haseeb's reading performance is perfectly balanced. His calm voice is patient, informative, and caring. His writing style is neither patronizing nor narcissistic, and this comes through in his voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Most if not all of Haseeb's conclusions and inferences in this book impacted not just my poker game but my life as well. His insights are vast, and his explanations are easily grasped.

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend this audiobook/kindle book to any poker player. Players of all experience levels could benefit from Haseeb's one of a kind book on "How to Be a Poker Player".

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Unexpectedly Surprised!!!

Let me first start by saying I am not a poker player, although I do love to watch and play the game recreationally. Further, I passed over this book several times because I had never heard of the author, and was unsure of his experience.

What surprised me about this book was the high level applications of neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and learning principles being used within the profession of poker. And even though the author didn't explicitly use any "lean" or "agile" business analogies, he implied throughout that the most effective players seek continuous improvement through the processes of honest self-evaluation and isolated experiments; with the goal of obtaining validated learning.

I don't think I have read a better "real world" application of the afore mentioned subjects so adeptly intertwined into a simple and understandable narrative. The author's focus is never self directed. Instead he provides a brutally honest look at what it takes to be a successful poker player; not just for a singular event, but for the entirety of a career.

Lastly, I was introduced to a few new neuroscience topics. As a self proclaimed neuro-geek with a library largely comprised of books related to this field, I never expected to come away from a poker book with these new valuable nuggets. My initial concern about the author's credentials was overwhelmingly placated. Even though I know slightly more about the author after having read this book, I can say at a minimum, he demonstrates an intellect equivalent to other authors I have read whose careers are entirely based in neuroscience.

Well Done!

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Buy This Book and Listen 100 times

What did you love best about How to Be a Poker Player?

I recently read Kaneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow, and was possessed with the idea that much of the content MUST apply to my poker game. Haseeb made those connections and more, exploding all of the reasons I have failed to be a winning player in the past and providing tools to rewrite my own narrative.

Any additional comments?

I cannot recommend this book strongly enough to anyone who wants to improve at poker, or simply better understand the workings of their own mind in a practical, applicable way.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Becoming One with Poker

If you could sum up How to Be a Poker Player in three words, what would they be?

Do we take the “Red” or “Blue” pill? Do we continue down the familiar path of memorizing probability tables and concocting inscrutable rules, or are we willing to take a gigantic leap of faith to see what was there all along?

The story is akin to mastering a karate move - realizing years later that what you thought you knew was only a shadow of the true meaning. If you are looking for a rule book on playing poker – this is not the book for you. But it you want to begin to learn about yourself and how to improve your game, I can highly recommend this story.

What other book might you compare How to Be a Poker Player to and why?

To date, I haven't found a book similar to this one.

What about Haseeb Qureshi’s performance did you like?

His use of sayings, quotes, and clear speech.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

I have learned much and still have much to learn...

Any additional comments?

IMO, this is a great book on poker.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best poker book I've ever read or listened to.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, because it offers real, honest, helpful information.

What other book might you compare How to Be a Poker Player to and why?

I liked this far more than The Mental Game of Poker (1&2). My mind would drift off in those books, while Haseeb's information and presentation kept me engaged.

What does Haseeb Qureshi bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I really like the tone and sincerity his reading added to the book.

What did you learn from How to Be a Poker Player that you would use in your daily life?

Much of what I learned is that my own attitudes regarding poker and my life in general are very healthy and will allow me to enjoy the game far more than others. I also thought of many poker strategies in different ways that helped me to better understand them.

Any additional comments?

If you're like me and are tired of books that stress formulas, calculations or theories on pre-flop and post-flop play under every possible combination of cards, you will love this book. I found those types of books mind-numbing and pointless at all stages of my poker development.

Haseeb even explains why it doesn't help your game much to read those math/theory books.In addition to reading poker books, I have also read several books on psychology and brain function, and I feel Haseeb really did his homework before writing this book.

The author also possesses a sincere honesty that I've never heard from ANY other poker book authors. You'll have to read the book to know exactly what I mean, but you'll agree with me once you've read this book.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good Philosophical Book

This book has some very Valuable Advice. But it is very pertinent towards experienced players. People who are new to the game will have difficulty comprehending what Haseeb was saying. Haseem's narration is laudable, but can be difficult to grasp at times, cause his English is intellectually driven not designed for simple mind but designed to impress others. Poker is a very diffculty game and requires self mastery to excel and survive this. A great book or listen for intermediate and Advanced players.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A different kind of poker book.

Insightful and interesting read. Less about strategy and more about how to think and live as a poker player.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

life lessons

never go a week without working towards the person you want to be. The writer really wants to share with you his take on a better life

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Comprehensive

Best poker book i have read. i spent the pandemic reading history and philosophy. This dovetails well for me. Thank you. Need all the help i can get.

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