After a recent trip to Foxwoods (and losing a mercifully small amount of money), I'm reminded that the World Series of Poker is around the corner (May 29 to July 16). The most popular form of poker -- and the one that dominates the World Series -- is No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em, the "cadillac of poker games" as Doyle Brunson famously called it. The library has a good selection of books focusing on no-limit in our sports and games section, so if you're a card shark, be sure to visit us and check out the following.

Doyle Brunson's Super System II. The updated classic from the '70s has essays for all poker games, but the chapter on no-limit is the one professionals regard as timeless. Not for beginners, because Brunson plays such a loose (seemingly reckless) style. See also this website which explains why, in the author's opinion, Brunson's wisdom stands the test of time.

Caro's Most Profitable Hold 'Em Advice. A book for limit and no-limit, and Caro doesn't always keep the distinction clear. But the book contains a lot of advice never seen before in a hold 'em book, especially with the section dealing with all the ins-and-outs of treating hold 'em as a business. The author also reviews tips from his classic on tells and advocates strategies for confusing your opponents and making them think you're a weak player.

Phil Gordon's Little Green Book. A solid guide to tight-aggressive play, often recommended for beginning to intermediate players, and popular for its conversational tone, humor, and the author's honest approach to self-assessment.

Play Poker Like the Pros, by Phil Hellmuth. Covers all forms of poker with a helpful chapter on no-limit.

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Texas Hold 'Em, by Randy Burgess and Carl Baldassarre. If you're just getting started but don't want to take the game too seriously, this is the book for you.