David Sklansky Theory of Poker Book Review

About David Sklansky

David Sklansky Quick Facts

Nickname: The Mathematician
Current Residence: Henderson, Nevada
Year of Birth: 1947
Place of Birth: Teaneck, New Jersey

David Sklansky Achievements

Has won 3 World Series of Poker bracelets (two in 1982 and one in 1983) as well as finishing in the money on 16 occasions
Placed first at the 2004 Poker By The Book invitational event. David Sklansky outlasted poker greats such as Phil Hellmuth, Mike Caro, T. J. Cloutier, Mike Sexton and eventually defeated Doyle Brunson.
David Sklansky is considered a top authority on many forms of gambling and has authored or co-authored 13 poker and gambling theory books.

David Sklansky Theory of Poker Review

Poker CHips David Sklansky’s Theory of Poker is a fundamental part of any poker library. Released in 1989 by Two Plus Two Publishing, the classic book centres on the mathematical underpinnings of poker and the theories behind plays. This is a crucial read for any serious poker player and is guaranteed to improve your game by helping you to strategize correctly. Theory of Poker focuses on making the proper plays based on pot odds and implied odds. Sklansky explains why certain plays are correct instead of putting the spotlight on straight forward strategy. Other topics covered include the timing and importance of bluffing, poker psychology, adjusting playing styles, the value of position and calculating pot odds.

What are the strong points of the David Sklansky ’s Theory of Poker?

Accurate and well-written
The concepts discussed are applicable to nearly every form of poker including five-card draw, Seven Card Stud, Texas Hold’Em, Lowball Draw and Razz.
Good practice hand examples

Where does David Sklansky’s Theory of Poker fall short?

Although the ideas in Theory of Poker are represented simply, this will be a difficult read for beginner players (this should probably not be the first poker book you read)
Sections are fairly shoddily structured

Who will benefit from David Sklansky’s Theory of Poker?

The concepts explained in David Sklansky’s Theory of Poker are relatively academic. The book is mainly recommended for intermediate and advanced poker players looking to move up a level and strengthen their game. David Sklansky’s ideas are valuable to players of almost all poker variants.