David Sklansky

David Sklansky, born on December 22nd, 1947 is an American poker player and author from Las Vegas, Nevada, with over $1.4 million in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $419,040 came when he finished in 3rd place at the WPT Borgata Poker Open in September 2006.

Sklansky has won three World Series of Poker bracelets, achieving two victories in 1982 and one in 1983. He is recognized as a leading authority on poker strategy and has made significant contributions to the field. Sklansky has authored several influential books on poker, including The Theory of Poker. His seminars, held at venues like the Taj Mahal and the World Series of Poker, consistently attract enthusiastic audiences.

David Sklansky: Early Life

Sklansky was born in New Jersey to a father who was a mathematics professor at Columbia University. Growing up in Teaneck, New Jersey, he displayed exceptional mathematical abilities, often describing himself as a math and logic prodigy. After graduating from Teaneck High School, Sklansky attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for poker. He frequently skipped classes to play and analyze hands with friends, discussing strategies for improvement.

Despite his academic background, Sklansky ultimately decided to leave university before graduating. He briefly pursued a career as an actuary, passing multiple Society of Actuaries exams by the age of 20. However, this profession did not hold his interest for long. He returned to Teaneck and soon transitioned to the world of professional gambling. As a casino consultant, he even humorously carried a business card identifying him as the “resident wizard.”

Sklansky found his niche in Las Vegas, where he excelled at poker, blackjack card counting, and sports betting, always seeking opportunities to exploit casino games and promotions. Throughout the years, he achieved several notable finishes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), along with cashes and final table appearances in various tournaments until 1991. After that, he shifted his focus away from tournaments and preferred to play cash games, while also dedicating time to writing books on poker and gambling.

Theory Of Poker Author David Sklansky

In 1983, David Sklansky co-authored Winning Poker with Roger Dionne, launching his influential career in the poker and gambling industry.

Sklansky is a sought-after consultant for casinos, Internet gaming sites, and gaming device companies, notably helping to develop the game World Poker Tour All-In Hold’em with Lakes Entertainment. His most popular work, The Theory of Poker, published in 1978, introduced critical concepts like “implied odds,” reshaping the strategic landscape of the game. Partnering with Two Plus Two Publishing, he has created essential resources on poker strategy and decision-making.

Additionally, he has authored nearly two dozen books covering different poker variations and other gambling topics, including an updated version of The Theory of Poker focused on no-limit hold’em. Remarkably, he was once one of only two authors, alongside J.K. Rowling, to have three books appear simultaneously on the Amazon top 100 list.

David Sklansky: Live Tournament Participation

David Sklansky recorded his first live cash in May 1976, he competed in the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em event at the 7th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, finishing in 3rd place and cashing $7,000.

Later, in May 1984, he played in the $1,000 Pot Limit Omaha event at the 15th World Series of Poker, where he took 2nd place and took home $33,600.

Furthermore, in May 1989, Sklansky entered the $5,000 Seven-Card Stud event at the 20th World Series of Poker, again finishing in 2nd place and earning $96,250.

In April 2005, he participated in the $25,000 + 500 Main Event (WPT) No Limit Hold’em Championship at the Third Annual Five-Star World Poker Classic in Las Vegas. He finished in 16th place and cashed $75,485.

Then, in September 2006, he competed in the $9,700 + 300 WPT Championship Event – No Limit Hold’em at the WPT Borgata Poker Open in Atlantic City, finishing in 3rd place and earning $419,040.

Following that, in June 2007, he played in the $3,000 World Championship Seven Card Stud Hi-Low Split-8 or Better at the 38th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, where he placed 5th and cashed $35,825.

Most recently, in July 2024, Sklansky entered the $250 Limit H.O.R.S.E. Deepstack event at the WSOP PokerNews Daily Deepstacks in Las Vegas, finishing in 8th place and earning $696.

Conclusion

David Sklansky’s contributions to poker have established him as a leading authority in the field, with his innovative strategies and numerous accolades, including three World Series of Poker bracelets. His influential books, especially “The Theory of Poker,” have reshaped the way players approach the game. Continuing to participate in tournaments and share his insights, Sklansky’s legacy as a pioneer in poker education endures.