Understanding the use of C++ concepts in large projects

[MRQ1]

Hello everyone ! . I have been programming in c++ for a while now and now i am studying advance concepts but there is a problem. I have problems in understanding the use of references,pointers and other things in large projects. So if I see the source code for tic-tac-toe or pong it really messes with my head . So is there a practical way to apply these concepts or a book which nicely teaches their application in larger projects such as making simple games. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[MRQ1]

I ask dumb questions and probably no one has an answer for them.

[JLBorges]

Quite dated, but still a very worthwhile read:
'Large-Scale C++ Software Design' by John Lakos
http://www.amazon.com/Large-Scale-Software-Design-John-Lakos/dp/0201633620

[z05DSL3A]

I just went looking for a link to that book to post...got distracted by a link to what looks like it's successor...

Large-Scale C++: Volume I: Process and Architecture
by John Lakos

but that looks to be a year away...