Looking for the best Pot Limit Omaha strategy books? Professional poker player and Run It Once instructor Cory Mikesell has created one of the most comprehensive libraries of PLO strategy resources available today. This complete guide reviews all of Cory Mikesell’s poker books and helps you choose which ones match your skill level.
Who is Cory Mikesell?
Cory Mikesell is a professional online poker player, poker strategy author, and instructor at Run It Once. What makes Mikesell’s poker books unique is his background as a National Chess Master, which brings exceptional pattern recognition and strategic thinking to his poker analysis.
Mikesell specializes in Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) variants and is known for pioneering solver-based poker strategy in his books. His coaching rate of $1,000 per hour reflects his reputation as one of the top PLO theorists in poker.
Key Credentials:
- Professional online poker player
- Run It Once instructor and content creator
- National Chess Master
- Pioneer of solver-based poker strategy books
- Author of 8+ poker strategy books
Best Cory Mikesell Poker Books (Ranked by Popularity)
1. PLO 3Bet Pots: Game Theory and Practice (Best Overall)
Publication Date: September 2017
Co-Author: John Beauprez
Pages: 214
Best For: Intermediate to advanced PLO players
This is the first solver-based poker book ever written and remains Cory Mikesell’s most popular work. The book revolutionized how players study three-bet pots in Pot Limit Omaha by introducing the now-famous “strategy graph” format.
What You’ll Learn:
- Optimal strategies for low SPR (stack-to-pot ratio) scenarios
- Block shoving strategies in 3-bet pots
- The 75/50/40 rule for shallow stacks
- How to construct unexploitable ranges
- Game theory optimal (GTO) PLO play
Price: Available on Amazon and corymikesell.com
Rating: 4.75/5 on Goodreads
2. Poker Foundations (Best for Beginners)
Available: Run It Once
Co-Authors: Phil Galfond, Kevin Rabichow, Tommy Angelo
Best For: Beginner to intermediate players
Unlike most poker books that teach temporary “tricks,” Poker Foundations focuses on timeless game theory concepts that apply to all poker variants. This collaborative effort features insights from multiple Run It Once pros.
What You’ll Learn:
- Essential game theory concepts explained simply
- Fundamental poker truths that never become obsolete
- How to progress from micro stakes to professional play
- Strategic thinking frameworks used by top pros
- Foundation for studying advanced poker strategy
Where to Buy: Run It Once Training platform
Format: E-book with sample chapter available
3. Six Card PLO Strategy Guide (Most Advanced)
Best For: Advanced PLO players and 6-card specialists
This is the only comprehensive theoretical work on six-card Pot Limit Omaha, making it essential for players in this variant. Mikesell applies his solver knowledge from 4-card and 5-card PLO to tackle this complex game.
What You’ll Learn:
- Optimal preflop ranges for 6-card PLO
- Which AA combinations to stack off in multiway pots
- Donk betting strategies in 6c PLO
- How to play double board and VPIP requirement games
- River value betting in different board textures
- Real hand examples from successful students
Available: corymikesell.com
Discount: Use code RUNCHUKS20 for 20% off
4. The Five Card PLO Formula
Co-Author: One of Mikesell’s successful students
Format: Pamphlet/short guide
Best For: Intermediate players learning 5-card PLO
As 5-card PLO grew in popularity, this guide filled a critical gap by teaching players how to study the game without solver access.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to map 4-card PLO principles to 5-card
- Block betting strategies
- Blocker selection for effective bluffing
- How to answer your own strategy questions
- Practical 5c PLO fundamentals
Where to Buy: corymikesell.com
5. Heads-Up PLO: The Definitive Guide
Best For: Heads-up PLO specialists
This book showcases Mikesell’s dedication to thorough analysis. He created a database covering every line and stack size in heads-up PLO, which he considers the most impactful study tool for this format.
What You’ll Learn:
- Complete heads-up PLO strategy
- Stack size-specific tactics
- Line-by-line analysis of HU situations
- Preflop range charts for multiple stack depths
- Exploitative adjustments against different player types
Discount Available: Use promo code RUNCHUKS20 for 20% off
Available: corymikesell.com
6. How to Beat Weak Players (Short Pamphlet)
Format: Free or low-cost pamphlet
Best For: Players struggling against recreational opponents
This short guide addresses a common frustration: why skilled players often lose to “fish” who play unpredictably.
What You’ll Learn:
- Psychology of weak players
- Why random play can beat solid strategy
- How to maximize profit against recreational players
- Adjustments for fishy games
- Moving up in stakes after beating weak opponents
Price: Free or minimal cost
Where to Get: corymikesell.com
Advanced PLO Strategy Books
App Game Rake Analysis (Free Resource)
Format: Free pamphlet
Best For: Mobile poker app players
Many players don’t realize their poker app games are unbeatable due to excessive rake. This free analysis covers:
- Rake comparison for 4c, 5c, and 6c PLO app games
- Analysis of 40 VPIP requirement games
- Which app games are profitable vs. unbeatable
- How rake affects your win rate
Download: Free at corymikesell.com
Beginner-Friendly Poker Books by Cory Mikesell
If you’re new to poker or PLO specifically, start with these resources:
- Poker Foundations – Essential game theory basics
- How to Beat Weak Players – Simple adjustments for low stakes
- App Game Rake Analysis – Understand if your games are beatable
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, progress to:
- PLO 3Bet Pots for game theory
- Five Card Formula for 5c PLO
- Six Card PLO for the most advanced variant
What Makes Cory Mikesell’s Poker Books Different?
1. Solver-Based Analysis
Mikesell pioneered translating complex poker solver outputs into human-understandable strategies. His books make GTO (Game Theory Optimal) play accessible to dedicated students.
2. First Principles Approach
Rather than memorizing specific hands, you’ll learn underlying principles that help you think through any poker situation independently.
3. Practical Application
Every book includes real hand histories from successful students, showing how theory applies in actual games.
4. Coverage of Alternative Formats
Mikesell addresses double board PLO, ante games, VPIP requirements, and other variants most authors ignore.
5. Visual Learning Tools
The strategy graph format he invented makes complex concepts easier to understand and implement.
Where to Buy Cory Mikesell Poker Books
Official Website
corymikesell.com – Buy directly from the author
- Most complete selection
- Occasional discount codes available
- Digital downloads available immediately
Amazon
Amazon.com – Physical and Kindle versions
- PLO 3Bet Pots available as paperback
- Customer reviews and ratings
- Amazon Prime eligible
Run It Once
runitonce.com – Poker Foundations exclusive
- E-book format
- Free sample chapter
- Integrated with RIO training platform
Cory Mikesell Coaching and Additional Resources
Beyond his poker books, Mikesell offers:
- Private Coaching: $1,000/hour or $9,000 for 10 sessions
- Run It Once Videos: Two new instructional videos daily
- Database Access: Comprehensive analysis database for students
- Specialized Formats: 4c, 5c, 6c PLO for 6-max and heads-up
FAQ: Cory Mikesell Poker Books
What is the best Cory Mikesell poker book for beginners?
Poker Foundations is the best starting point. It covers essential game theory without requiring advanced poker knowledge.
Are Cory Mikesell’s books suitable for cash games or tournaments?
His books primarily focus on cash game strategy, particularly for online PLO games. The concepts apply to tournaments but aren’t tournament-specific.
What is solver-based poker strategy?
Solver-based strategy uses computer programs (solvers) to calculate mathematically optimal plays in poker situations. Mikesell’s books translate these complex solutions into practical strategies.
Do I need poker solver software to use these books?
No. While Mikesell uses solvers in his research, his books are designed for players without solver access. The Five Card Formula specifically teaches how to study without solvers.
Which book should I read first: PLO 3Bet Pots or Six Card PLO?
Start with PLO 3Bet Pots if you play 4-card PLO. It covers fundamental concepts that apply to all PLO variants. Move to Six Card PLO only if you actively play that variant.
Are Cory Mikesell’s poker books worth the price?
Yes, for serious PLO players. His pioneering work on solver-based strategy and coverage of understudied variants like 5c and 6c PLO provides significant edge over opponents. Given his $1,000/hour coaching rate, his books offer exceptional value.
What’s the difference between 4-card, 5-card, and 6-card PLO?
- 4-card PLO: Standard variant, most common online and in casinos
- 5-card PLO: Higher variance, more drawing possibilities
- 6-card PLO: Extremely high variance, complex hand reading, less common
Each variant requires specific strategy adjustments covered in Mikesell’s respective books.
Can I find Cory Mikesell poker books for free?
Some resources like the App Game Rake Analysis are free. However, purchasing his books supports his continued research and content creation. Sample chapters are sometimes available.
Related Poker Strategy Resources
Looking for more PLO strategy content?
- Run It Once Training subscription
- Phil Galfond’s PLO videos
- Advanced PLO Discord communities
- Poker solver software recommendations
Conclusion: Should You Buy Cory Mikesell’s Poker Books?
Cory Mikesell’s poker books represent some of the most theoretically rigorous and practically applicable PLO strategy resources available. If you’re serious about improving your Pot Limit Omaha game, particularly in variants like 5-card and 6-card PLO, his work is essential reading.
Recommended Reading Order:
- Beginners: Start with Poker Foundations
- Intermediate: Progress to PLO 3Bet Pots
- Advanced: Study Five Card Formula or Six Card PLO based on your games
- Specialists: Heads-Up PLO for HU players
Ready to improve your PLO game? Visit corymikesell.com to explore his complete collection of poker strategy books.
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