David Sklansky, born on July 1, 1947, is a notable figure in the world of professional poker and an accomplished author. Recognized for his mathematical approach to poker strategy, Sklansky’s seminal work, “The Theory of Poker,” laid the foundation for subsequent analyses in the field.
Early Years
Sklansky hails from Teaneck, New Jersey, where he spent his formative years. He graduated from Teaneck High School in 1966. He pursued higher education at the University of Pennsylvania but decided to leave before completing his degree. Returning to Teaneck, he embarked on a career path that led him to pass multiple actuarial exams and work for an actuarial firm at the age of 20.
Poker Career
David Sklansky is considered an authority on gambling. He is both an author and co-author of numerous books, totaling fourteen, covering topics ranging from poker to blackjack and general gambling.
Throughout his poker career, Sklansky achieved notable success, including winning three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets. In 1982, he clinched two bracelets—one in the $1,000 Draw High event and another in the $800 Mixed Doubles event alongside Dani Kelly. The following year, he secured another bracelet in the $1,000 Limit Omaha Hi event. His prowess was further demonstrated when he triumphed in the Poker By The Book invitational tournament during the 2004 World Poker Tour. This victory saw him besting formidable opponents such as Phil Hellmuth Jr., Mike Caro, T. J. Cloutier, and Mike Sexton, eventually defeating the legendary Doyle Brunson.
Sklansky’s academic journey included a year of study at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania before he decided to pursue a career as a professional gambler. Prior to his poker endeavors, he briefly worked as an actuary. During his employment, he discovered more efficient methods for certain calculations, which he brought to the attention of his employer. The response he received was that he could continue to use these methods but that the information would not be shared with other employees. This experience left a profound impact on Sklansky: “In other words, I knew something that others didn’t, but I wasn’t getting any credit for it,” Sklansky recounted in Al Alvarez’s 1983 work, “The Greatest Game in Town.” “In poker, if you’re better than anyone else, you make money immediately. If I had a game that I understood and others didn’t—if they weren’t willing to learn or couldn’t understand—then I would take their money.”
As of 2015, his live tournament earnings exceeded $1,350,000. He resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.
World Series of Poker Bracelets
Year | Event | Prize (USD)
1982 | $1,000 Draw High | $15,500
1982 | $800 Mixed Doubles (with Dani Kelly) | $8,800
1983 | $1,000 Limit Omaha Hi | $25,500
Publications
Sklansky has authored or co-authored 14 books on gambling theory and poker. Many of his works are published by Two Plus Two Publishing. His book covers often feature handguns, and his 1976 publication, “Texas Hold’em for Advanced Players,” was the first book on the subject of Texas Hold’em. It was through these books that he popularized the concept of “Sklansky Bucks,” now commonly referred to as “expected value,” a concept still used by professional poker players today.