Poker Legend David Sklansky Passes Away at 78

David Sklansky, a three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner, has died at the age of 78. Sklansky's groundbreaking 1978 work, The Theory Of Poker, introduced concepts like implied odds and expected value into mainstream poker vocabulary.

Sklansky authored nearly two dozen books and helped formalize poker as a game of mathematics, logic, and long-term expectation rather than instinct alone. His analytical approach extended beyond poker, seeking exploitable edges in casino games and even creating his own variation, which eventually evolved into Caribbean Stud.

Known for his eccentric personality and sharp intellect, Sklansky once carried a business card identifying himself as a ‘resident wizard’ while working as a casino consultant. In 2024, he shared many anecdotes from his life and career with Card Player’s Poker Stories podcast. His most recent book, Small Stakes No-Limit Hold’em: Help Them Give You Their Money, was published in late 2023.