In the introduction of Secrets of Professional Tournament Poker, Jonathan Little explains his initial hesitation about writing a strategy book, acknowledging the common concern that educating weaker players could reduce a professional’s edge. However, he ultimately concludes that only a small fraction of readers will study and apply the material seriously enough to compete at his level, and therefore his own results are unlikely to be meaningfully affected.
Giving Back to the Poker Community
Little emphasizes that his primary motivation is to contribute to the poker community. He describes how he benefited from a period when online forums were rich with high-quality discussion and strategic insight. Through those communities, he formed friendships and built the foundation of his poker knowledge. This book is intended to provide newer players with a structured, reliable path to improvement—without requiring them to sift through overwhelming or unreliable online content.
Critique of Existing Poker Literature
A significant portion of the introduction critiques the current poker book market. Little argues that many authors lack true expertise and promote outdated strategies, particularly conservative approaches that may once have been effective but no longer succeed in modern tournament environments. He positions his work as a corrective—an attempt to replace obsolete advice with strategies suited to contemporary games. He also stresses that he personally wrote the entire book, underscoring the effort involved and reinforcing his credibility as a practitioner rather than a career author.
A Definitive Guide to Tournament Poker
Little presents the book as a comprehensive and authoritative resource on tournament play. He expresses confidence in the thoroughness of the material and signals that readers will quickly notice the depth and precision of his approach. His goal is not to provide surface-level tips, but to offer a complete framework for long-term success in tournaments.
A Personal Commitment to Helping Others
Beyond strategic aims, Little describes a genuine desire to improve others’ lives. He reflects on messages from players who have benefited from his previous teaching efforts, including those who used his guidance to overcome financial difficulties or build substantial bankrolls. Helping others achieve meaningful progress is portrayed as a deeply motivating factor behind the book.
The Importance of Serious Study
The introduction concludes with a challenge to the reader. Little argues that most people fail in poker not because the information is unavailable, but because they lack discipline and commitment. He stresses that becoming a professional requires sustained study and application over years. Drawing from his own experience—studying extensively before risking real money—he urges readers to treat the book like an academic textbook. Only those who internalize and consistently apply its lessons, he suggests, will have a realistic chance of becoming successful professional tournament players.