There are not very many authors of poker books that get quoted or referred to as much as David Sklansky is. He has written and collaborated on several books, all good, but this particular book is mentioned the most often. First published in 1987, and due to the continued demand is still being printed by Two Plus Two Publishing. I read the most recent version of 1999. Through the years, his advice still holds up. If you are a beginner looking for basic instruction on how to play the game, starting hands, how to bet, you will need a more basic book than this. This book does not have that kind of information. If however, you are well grounded in fundamentals of the game and you are serious about achieving a higher level of competency, then this book is an important book to read. The subject of Poker Theory is discussed on more of an advanced level than what youll find in a beginners book (if it is mentioned at all), but Mr. Sklansky is very good at explaining the advanced concepts he puts forth in the book.

Most of his explanations are followed with examples, often including pictures of various card hands that help make his point. His examples illustrate situations specific to various forms of poker, usually Texas Holdem and Seven Card Stud, but others as well. You will find that most of his advice is applicable to most forms of poker most of the time. If for example, he makes a reference to Seven Card Stud and you are a Texas Holdem person and know nothing about Seven Card Stud, there is a chapter that very briefly describes the basic rules of the most popular poker games. Aided with that, you should be able to understand the important point he is making in those sections.

The book begins with the Basic Theory of Poker and expands into how it connects to most aspects of poker play. Not only does he give you the how to in applying Poker Theory, but he also gives you the reasons why. He often explains how one concept relates to other elements of the game, which helps to tie this massive amount of information together. Some of the subjects he covers are: Use of Deception, Free Cards, Semi-Bluffs, Check-Raising, Slowplaying, Bluffing, Raising, and much more. He also includes valuable advice on how to guard against these kinds of tactics when your opponents try to use them against you. To say that he also has a very good section on Heads Up play is an understatement. It is excellent.

You might find his chapter called: Evaluating the Game, very useful. He lists the most common mistakes players make, and how to play against them. I also found it helpful in accessing my own weaknesses and becoming more aware how I might be perceived and played against. There is also a Glossary. If you are experienced enough to read and understand this book, you will probably already be familiar with most the terms in the Glossary, but I mention this to make the point that Mr. Sklansky seems to be considerate of the readers that might need just a little extra help understanding the terms he uses. This spirit of helpfulness is evident throughout the book. This book does not take on a smug or know it all tone which, unfortunately is found in some books.

Throughout the book are frequent explanations involving math examples. The better you are at understanding what a Ratio is, how to turn a Percentage into a Ratio, how to figure out Percentages, the better youll understand his examples. His book is worth every bit of the time and effort you put into grasping his concepts. Every time you read a section you are sure to gain new insight as your understanding deepens. In the short time I have had this book it has already become the one I refer to the most often. The real challenge is to be able to recall his advice while you actually play poker. If you put the effort into applying his advice, you will notice as I did an improvement in your game.