The Complete Poker Workout

Jonathan Little is a prolific poker author, but The Complete Poker Workout is one of his more divisive releases. Marketed as a practical, drill‑based training manual, the book promises to transform players’ decision‑making through structured exercises. In reality, it often feels like a repackaged collection of familiar concepts, padded with repetitive scenarios and lacking the depth today’s competitive players expect.

The book’s biggest issue is its surface‑level analysis. Many of the “workouts” present simplified situations that don’t reflect modern solver‑driven poker. Instead of pushing readers to think in ranges, frequencies, and exploitative adjustments, the exercises frequently rely on generic advice that advanced players will find outdated. Even intermediate players may feel the material stops just when it should be getting interesting.

Another recurring criticism is the lack of cohesion. The book jumps between concepts without building a clear progression. Rather than a structured training program, it reads like a loose assortment of hand examples. For a book branded as a “workout,” the absence of measurable improvement paths or difficulty scaling is a missed opportunity.

That said, the book isn’t without merit. Little’s writing is accessible, and beginners may appreciate the straightforward explanations. But for anyone serious about improving in today’s poker environment, the book feels more like a warm‑up stretch than a full workout.

Author: Jonathan Little
Star Rating: 2 out of 5 stars