Book Review: "The Theory of Poker" by David Sklansky

There has never been any other strategy in the history of poker writing that has been quoted as often as the "Fundamental Theorem of Poker", which was published in David Sklansky's The Theory of Poker. Following Doyle Brunson's Super System, this book undeniably stands as the next great work on poker theory, earning its justified place among the best poker books of all time.

Who is David Sklansky?

Nowadays, David Sklansky is renowned as one of the foremost figures in the world of poker literature, and his publishing company, Two Plus Two, has outsold any other in terms of book sales. Prior to the publication of The Theory of Poker in 1987, David Sklansky had already established himself as a prominent presence in the poker circuit. Having authored several books and earned a reputable reputation as a player, the pinnacle of his achievements undoubtedly came when the esteemed Doyle Brunson invited him to contribute a chapter to Super System in 1978.

David Sklansky, a renowned expert in gambling theory and game theory, has collaborated with various authors throughout his career. One of his most well-known collaborators is Mason Malmuth, with whom he has co-authored several books on gambling and other poker variations. Sklansky's thoughts from 25 years ago continue to hold true and have a significant impact on the world of gambling. Even today, Sklansky continues to publish influential and up-to-date books on the subject, such as "No Limit Hold'em Theory and Practice" with Ed Miller, which remains a top resource for poker enthusiasts.

Book overview

For any ambitious poker player, The Theory of Poker remains an indisputable must-read. The fact that this book was published over 25 years ago can be disregarded, as there is not a player in the world who couldn't learn something from it. What makes this publication so remarkable is that with each subsequent reading, one discovers something new. As one's understanding of the game increases with experience, revisiting the book after some time reveals concepts that were previously incomprehensible, even if one believed they had mastered the game.

Even as a dedicated No Limit Hold'em player, the hand examples provided in games like Seven Card Stud, Draw, and Razz Poker will prove valuable, as they can offer you fresh ideas and insights for your Hold'em game. However, regardless of which specific poker variants intrigue you, The Theory of Poker ensures that you'll find something to satisfy your curiosity with its detailed descriptions of all popular game variations. Rest assured, you'll be well-rewarded for your investment in this book.

The Theory of Poker, like most books from Two Plus Two, is incredibly extensive with nearly 300 pages. Whether you're looking to delve into expected values, hourly rates, ante structures, bluffing, check-raising, psychology, or anything else, this book delivers all that and so much more. There is an abundance of knowledge waiting to be discovered within its pages, catering to all those eager to expand their understanding of the game.

Final remarks

If one wishes to approach the book critically, it can be noted that online poker is not discussed and tracking software and rakeback are not mentioned, as there were obviously no online poker sites back then. However, this is not necessarily a reason not to buy the book, as the many essential fundamentals taught here can be applied to both live and online poker.

Repeated perusal of this book proves beneficial for anyone who takes the game seriously and aspires to play at a high level. Even for those already adept, David Sklansky's The Theory of Poker remains an invaluable resource, as it undeniably ranks among the greatest strategy books of all time.