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Harrington on Hold 'em #2
Harrington on Hold 'em: Expert Strategy for No-Limit Tournaments, Volume II: The Endgame
Poker has taken America by storm. But it's not just any form of poker that has people across the country so excited – it's no-limit hold 'em – the main event game. And now – thanks to televised tournaments – tens of thousands of new players are eager to claim their share of poker glory.
In the first volume of this series, Harrington on Hold ‘em: Volume I: Strategic Play, Dan Harrington explained how to play in the early phases of tournaments, when most players at the table have plenty of chips, and the blinds and antes are small. This book, Harrington on Hold ‘em: Volume II: The Endgame shows you how to play in the later phases of a tournament, when the field has been cut down, the blinds and antes are growing, and the big prize money is within sight. Harrington shows you how to make moves, handle tricky inflection point plays, and maneuver when the tournament is down to its last few players and the end is in sight. He’s also included a whole chapter on head-up play, whose strategies up to now have been a closely-guarded secret of the game’s top masters.
Dan Harrington won the gold bracelet and the World Champion title at the $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold 'Em Championship at the 1995 World Series of Poker. And he was the only player to make it to the final table in 2003 (field of 839) and 2004 (field of 2,576) – considered by cognoscenti to be the greatest accomplishment in WSOP history. In Harrington on Hold 'em, Harrington and 2-time World Backgammon Champion Bill Robertie have written the definitive book on no-limit hold 'em for players who want to win – and win big.
In the first volume of this series, Harrington on Hold ‘em: Volume I: Strategic Play, Dan Harrington explained how to play in the early phases of tournaments, when most players at the table have plenty of chips, and the blinds and antes are small. This book, Harrington on Hold ‘em: Volume II: The Endgame shows you how to play in the later phases of a tournament, when the field has been cut down, the blinds and antes are growing, and the big prize money is within sight. Harrington shows you how to make moves, handle tricky inflection point plays, and maneuver when the tournament is down to its last few players and the end is in sight. He’s also included a whole chapter on head-up play, whose strategies up to now have been a closely-guarded secret of the game’s top masters.
Dan Harrington won the gold bracelet and the World Champion title at the $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold 'Em Championship at the 1995 World Series of Poker. And he was the only player to make it to the final table in 2003 (field of 839) and 2004 (field of 2,576) – considered by cognoscenti to be the greatest accomplishment in WSOP history. In Harrington on Hold 'em, Harrington and 2-time World Backgammon Champion Bill Robertie have written the definitive book on no-limit hold 'em for players who want to win – and win big.
466 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
72 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Dan Harrington
47 books45 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Dan Harrington is a professional poker player, best known for winning the Main Event at the 1995 World Series of Poker. He has earned one World Poker Tour title, two WSOP bracelets, and over six million dollars in tournament cashes in his poker career. He is also a member of the Poker Hall of Fame.
Harrington chose his own nickname "Action Dan" even though he is known for being a tight conservative player. He is a distant cousin to both professional golfer Padraig Harrington and former NFL quarterback Joey Harrington.
Dan Harrington is a professional poker player, best known for winning the Main Event at the 1995 World Series of Poker. He has earned one World Poker Tour title, two WSOP bracelets, and over six million dollars in tournament cashes in his poker career. He is also a member of the Poker Hall of Fame.
Harrington chose his own nickname "Action Dan" even though he is known for being a tight conservative player. He is a distant cousin to both professional golfer Padraig Harrington and former NFL quarterback Joey Harrington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 22, 2023
4.75 ⭐️ — Yea, it’s every bit as good as the first and for me perhaps even more relevant to todays Poker world. Dan Harrington will be immortalised forever for this epic series of Poker strategy and insight, a true masterpiece & let that not be forgotten!
Like Poker? Weather you wanna be the next Phil Ivey, or merely take down your mates at your bi-monthly peanut game — just read it!!!
Like Poker? Weather you wanna be the next Phil Ivey, or merely take down your mates at your bi-monthly peanut game — just read it!!!
September 7, 2016
The second volume in Harrington's series on Hold'em was even more useful than the first. Volume II covers slightly more advanced topics, including heads up play, "inflection points" (the points during a tournament, as the blinds go up, where you have to shift tactics, or reckon on your opponents shifting tactics, based on the ratio of stack sizes to blinds), what to do when you are "on the bubble" at a tournament, and even a section in the end giving advice should you find yourself at the final table at the World Series of Poker (or some other big money tournament) and the other pros are offering deals to split the prize money.
I doubt I will ever be using that advice, but the rest is quite solid. I know from reading r/poker on Reddit that Harrington's books are considered a bit outdated for modern professional poker. For example, a plain old 3-bet is old news, and the tactics of bluffing and continuation betting seem very different in ways a little too complicated for me to have figured out yet. But the basic strategy and coverage of decision points are certainly valid, and if you are playing low stakes or "free money" poker like I do, probably most of the book is still useful.
Note that like the previous volume, this book is specifically for No-Limit Texas Hold-em tournaments. Cash games are an entirely different beast, and most of the topics in this book, which go beyond basic poker theory and tactics, are very tournament-specific.
I doubt I will ever be using that advice, but the rest is quite solid. I know from reading r/poker on Reddit that Harrington's books are considered a bit outdated for modern professional poker. For example, a plain old 3-bet is old news, and the tactics of bluffing and continuation betting seem very different in ways a little too complicated for me to have figured out yet. But the basic strategy and coverage of decision points are certainly valid, and if you are playing low stakes or "free money" poker like I do, probably most of the book is still useful.
Note that like the previous volume, this book is specifically for No-Limit Texas Hold-em tournaments. Cash games are an entirely different beast, and most of the topics in this book, which go beyond basic poker theory and tactics, are very tournament-specific.
July 9, 2012
Best instructional book on any game I have ever read - if you play tournament poker and are looking for a good series of books, start here.
August 22, 2014
Very interesting. Loved the inflexion points.
June 2, 2015
At its' time the best book on tournament Hold'em.
August 4, 2023
Volume II was a really deep-dive into the world of tournament poker. Much of it is common sense, and most players will say they know all this stuff, but having some concrete analytical examples listed with numbers, situations, and tools available during the seemingly inevitable squeezing situation that all tourney players feel going down to the wire.
Again, like in Volume I, the "Problems" sections are phenomenal. Of course, the scenarios listed don't often come up exactly like in the book, but there is certainly enough info in there to color between the lines for most situations. Only real experience, whether online, in a casino, or even in the poker nites with the boys, is needed to put this into effect and learn from the impact of these choices/decisions.
As with all advanced good poker books, this is not a "if you do this, you will win most of the time" BS lines that many of the coaches, local pros, and charismatic hucksters who are peddling their wares for your to pay for their enlightenment spew out to an incessant degree. So, if you're looking for a quick read to "master" the game, look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a working guide to tournament poker, this may be the best one I have read.
My only negative critique is with the organization a bit. It does get cumbersome and an indexing in the beginning of each chapter would be helpful. It is really like a reference book, so it should be arranged as such, IMO. I will keep this one handy for review of games/tourneys and also in preparation.
Again, like in Volume I, the "Problems" sections are phenomenal. Of course, the scenarios listed don't often come up exactly like in the book, but there is certainly enough info in there to color between the lines for most situations. Only real experience, whether online, in a casino, or even in the poker nites with the boys, is needed to put this into effect and learn from the impact of these choices/decisions.
As with all advanced good poker books, this is not a "if you do this, you will win most of the time" BS lines that many of the coaches, local pros, and charismatic hucksters who are peddling their wares for your to pay for their enlightenment spew out to an incessant degree. So, if you're looking for a quick read to "master" the game, look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a working guide to tournament poker, this may be the best one I have read.
My only negative critique is with the organization a bit. It does get cumbersome and an indexing in the beginning of each chapter would be helpful. It is really like a reference book, so it should be arranged as such, IMO. I will keep this one handy for review of games/tourneys and also in preparation.
October 15, 2025
I’m reviewing my poker library after re-reading each of the books and formatting them for ease of reference.
Poker player experience level required: INTERMEDIATE
Original publication date: 2005
Reviewed: 2025
Game: No Limit Hold‘Em
Book information is relevant at time of review: YES
Content:
In the sequel to Volume I, Harrington expands on poker concepts, getting into some higher level thinking, some mathematics and meta game strategy.
Much of it is absolutely applicable in the modern age of tournament play. Where it lacks because of the change in game theory over 20 years is combatting GTO style of play, which really wasn't prevalent in the early 2000's.
I only recommend this for the intermediate poker player due to getting into the weeds with Magriel's M and Harrington's Q system of stack and pot relationships.
Overall the majority of the information is still relevant, and still useful.
Poker player experience level required: INTERMEDIATE
Original publication date: 2005
Reviewed: 2025
Game: No Limit Hold‘Em
Book information is relevant at time of review: YES
Content:
In the sequel to Volume I, Harrington expands on poker concepts, getting into some higher level thinking, some mathematics and meta game strategy.
Much of it is absolutely applicable in the modern age of tournament play. Where it lacks because of the change in game theory over 20 years is combatting GTO style of play, which really wasn't prevalent in the early 2000's.
I only recommend this for the intermediate poker player due to getting into the weeds with Magriel's M and Harrington's Q system of stack and pot relationships.
Overall the majority of the information is still relevant, and still useful.
August 28, 2022
This book is somewhat out-of-date, as is the first volume, in terms of the strategies that you will be up against if you are playing serious poker for large amounts of money in 2022. That is in part because everyone has read these two books, figured out the strategies, and learned to exploit them (to the extent that they are exploitable). That being said, it's a fantastic introduction to poker strategy with a ton of depth and good advice for how to improve that goes beyond the book itself (such as using computer programs that will allow you to compare hand outcomes). For most home players and amateurs, this would be a straight improvement on your style of play. Extremely highly recommended if you want to learn.
July 3, 2019
Another good poker book. This is a bit more in depth than the previous two poker books. I especially liked that it had problem set at the end of each chapter. It helped me to remember the principals outlined in the chapter. Not the first book you should read.
September 5, 2021
I gave up on this game partially based on books like this...
June 17, 2025
bit dated with some theory, problems a bit of a chore but reinforcing the idea of Ms, especially short handed great. nice section on heads up
September 14, 2008
Unless you are deeply, deeply in to poker, any book on the subject will invariably become dry. This was not as much of a problem through the first volume of the set, but by the end of this one, I found myself skipping pages fairly often. As usual, Harrington's insights are useful, as when he says that one should ALWAYS complete the initial bet before the flop in head-to-head play (?!), but he often veers into strategic tips that could often get the beginning player in to trouble. At least in the short-term, I feel that reading Harrington could make a player more predictable at the table - conservative enough to make it through the first rounds, but unsophisticated in his attempts to become more aggressive in the latter stages of a tournament.
June 20, 2012
This book goes along with volume 1. It is more advanced and you really won't get much out of it until you have some tournament experience and understand stack size and opponent hand strength/betting habits.
This book covers more post flop play than volume 1. It covers more about bet sizing, when to call raise or fold, etc. in tournaments, your stack size shrinks with relation to the blinds/antes and that affects your play.
The book does not detail the math enough for my taste. A couple other books I read detail the math better (if you are into getting that involved).
In any case if you are playing tournament Holdem, I would definitely read this book.
This book covers more post flop play than volume 1. It covers more about bet sizing, when to call raise or fold, etc. in tournaments, your stack size shrinks with relation to the blinds/antes and that affects your play.
The book does not detail the math enough for my taste. A couple other books I read detail the math better (if you are into getting that involved).
In any case if you are playing tournament Holdem, I would definitely read this book.
July 1, 2007
As the glowing reviews here suggest, this series is a standout among the glut of indistinguishable poker guides. Much better than Helmuth's book and more current than Super System, it's the place to go after you've mastered the basics. Harrington's concepts are so enlightening and unique, they should almost be proprietary. If you're just a person looking to improve your home game, this is probably too much work to bother. But if you're serious about increasing your win rate (and take home cash) in semi-pro tournaments, this is the end all be all of poker guides.
September 14, 2010
The examples and problems in this book are very instructive and represent actual play. Harrington explains not only the various possibilities at each point, but the many considerations that go into each decision. Particularly useful are the many examples of how your play needs to change drastically in late stages of a tournament, heads-up play, or when stacks get short. A valuable resource, definitely recommended.
November 18, 2012
Very informative, especially the problems/examples, and the chapters on final table and heads up strategy. Builds very nicely on the first volume. I highly recommend both volumes. I am starting on the volume 3 which is a workbook of problems and so far it looks like a great way to test what you learned from the first 2 books.
August 10, 2016
I somehow got a pre-order copy of this before the SA poker guys did, quickly went through it and thought it was great...then a poker superstar (probably Adar) got to it and tore it to pieces.
I liked the book, but I'm a complete amateur...and if an expert gives it the ol' super-slam, I don't know how comfortable I am with recommending it.
I liked the book, but I'm a complete amateur...and if an expert gives it the ol' super-slam, I don't know how comfortable I am with recommending it.
May 11, 2007
I read something like this on a poker blog [http://hammerplayer.blogspot.com/] recently and I agree: If you haven't read this book I am a better multi-table tournament player than you are. It's that simple.
January 21, 2008
Easily compares against the likes of Moby Dick, The Heart of Darkness, Catch-22, and One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest as one of the best and most important bits of literature written in the last 200 years.
July 30, 2008
I loved all of Harrington's books. They read like textbooks and they have problems for solving. I learned more from this series than from any other poker book. I reread them from time to time for a refresher. . . I should probably do that again.
June 4, 2013
After reading a bunch of poker books recently, I have enjoyed the easy to grasp writing style, and the ideas expressed I think have progressed my poker skills to at least a break even level in most games, and +EV for most tournament/SNG style games.
June 22, 2007
A must read for any Texas Hold-em Tournament player.
January 7, 2008
Excellent follow-up to his first book it goes into detail of tournament play in no limit texas hold'em. Gives many examples of many aspects of tournament play.
May 8, 2008
The second half (technically just a third) of the best poker pook on tournaments. Excellent.
May 28, 2009
Final table means: read this book. Seriously. Do it.
September 17, 2009
I especially like Dan's formula's for Q and M. I now use them in my tournaments.
May 25, 2010
Lot of good information about abstract concepts like M and Q inflection points and making moves. The pages flew by with good tips and problems.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews