How to Be a Poker Player

The Philosophy of Poker

By: Haseeb Qureshi

Narrated by: Haseeb Qureshi

Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

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

The Author should not have narrated.

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

Get physical book.

What didn’t you like about Haseeb Qureshi’s performance?

His voice is far too soft. That is really the only problem. The audio is all clear and well articulated. The only problem is that is voice his very soft and soothing. He would do well guiding a meditation. But his gentle voice made it easy for my mind to wander off in search of something for more engaging.

Wow!

I drive 45 minutes to the casino one way so im on the road for 1.5 hours and wanted to fill that time with something productive. Ive listened to this audio book over five times now and learn something new still. Lots of areas of theory and,best of all, self reflection. Can i really make it as a poker player? Maybe. This book makes you really take stalk of yourself. Probably best to have a few years of grinding it out before diving into this one! Highly recommend

Good poker for an experienced poker player

I've been a poker player over 20 years now, that said I know I'm very much an amateur. I've made plenty of efforts to improve, I've watched videos, watched the WSOP, High Stakes Poker, lots of interviews, documentaries, played free poker, online for money, in person with friends, at bars and at casinos and of course read and listen to books on poker. This one got a high rating on Audible and sounded different, so I gave it a try.

This is a different kind of poker book. There is not a lot in terms of hand analysis, tournament tips, figuring out value bets and other strategies. What is here is an overall guide in how poker players think and act both at the table and away from it. I did a minor in Philosophy at university and I haven't read a book on it in a long time, so I appreciated all the tips he gives on being healthier and productive both as a poker player and overall as a human being.

To be honest the one chapter that he does get really technical with stuff like expected value and betting patterns, I found that despite all my knowledge and experience (which I'll admit isn't huge as their isn't a casino where I live) it went way over my head and got very complicated. Haseeb does give a warning before the chapter though and says that this part if for experienced players (which I thought I was).

In terms of the production, excellent sound quality and the author has a great speaking voice. It's always nice to have an author read their own material and it often feels at time that it's just Haseeb chatting with you rather than a book (which is a good thing!). I'm a slow listener and it took me months to get through this but that certainly doesn't mean the book was too long.

While I found most of his advice excellent (I should get back into meditating) I am forced to disagree with him on an the end. He says that if you have never been obsessed with poker than you will never be a poker player and that you should, in fact, quit! I suppose he could mean I'll never be a professional poker player and that I'll admit it true. Still I think this is a serious flaw, I'd bet 80-90% who read his book will never turn pro, so he is effectively trying to discourage people from playing poker at all. He doesn't know me and as poker is just a hobby for me (and will remain so) it has no negative effect on my family, social life, marriage or bank account, I have never had a problem quitting when I'm down.


I'm not saying I didn't enjoy this book, for the most part I really did. He also gives great tips on dealing with downswings, managing your bankroll, dealing with tilt (both yourself and other players) and how to get in the right mindset to play poker. I do, however, don't think there's anything wrong with playing poker and having the goal of winning money. Yes you're supposed to be enjoying the game but, for me anyway, I enjoy it a lot more when I'm winning. So I do recommend this book to anyone who is serious about poker, though perhaps skipping the chapter on expected value, just be prepared to take parts of it with a grain of salt. This is one of the best poker books I've listened to and I will even be contacting the author (as he asked everyone to). I was really fascinated when he got into a discussion about happiness and money. The fact that most lotto winners (like 80%) lose are their money within a few years and become miserable is both sad and fascinating. I agree with him that there is certainly a point where money (if you have enough to not even work) has no meaning and is no longer your goal in life (by that I mean you need it to travel, pay bills, look after your spouse/family). There certainly is the trap that someone who has money only wants more and can never truly be happy. I agree that within reason you should be happy with what you have (not discarding ambition) rather than always wanting more. This book is suitable for any age but unless you are some kind of poker savant, I would say ages 25+ just because you need to play a lot of poker to get the most of out this.

Great Experience

Authentic and truthful knowledge about poker and living a happy life as a human being
Thank you

Great and different.

Thoughtful, the best poker book I have read period. This book is more about why to play poker rather than how.

One of the best books as of late!

Well done, this is a unique way of tackling the issue of what it takes to succeed. It lays out how to think, what to do and why in a clear and fresh way that many other books do not. Thank you!

thought provoking

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

I came across Haseeb via his blog on his transition from a poker player and to a software engineer at Airbnb. And I have read his whole blog on coding and I have decided to purchase his book on poker because I think his thought is deeply philosophical.

I know how to play poker but not at a professional level, and I have no intention to be a poker player and I would say I can get out half of his book. I will need to re-listen (or get better at poker) before I can provide a more concrete review but I would still say this book is very thought provoking.

Edmund

Great book and a must listen!

Do not by any means underestimate this book. It is full of great wisdom from a man who has been where you want to be. If you're looking for poker math, concepts, ranges, 3 bet strategies, then this is not the book for you. Rather this is a book on how to be a poker player. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook.

highly recommend

Haseeb comes across as very knowledgeable about poker, psychology, neurology, philosophy, and life. This book was very enjoyable to listen to while I Endeavor to be a poker player. while there are many strategic suggestions, the bulk of the text is philosophical in nature. don't let that sway you from reading as this book may spark deeper thought and what is needed to grow as a poker player for you. I personally will listen again.

Best poker book I ever read.

Much deeper than your technical recipe book. Very interesting concepts not usually associate to poker.