David Sklansky, an American professional poker player and author, died on March 23, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, of heart failure.
He was 78. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, on December 22, 1947, Sklansky was an early writer on poker strategy and was known for his mathematical approach to the game.
His book The Theory of Poker set out fundamental principles that later analysis drew upon. He also wrote and contributed to 14 books on poker, blackjack and gambling in general, and won three World Series of Poker bracelets.
David Sklansky (December 22, 1947 – March 23, 2026) was an American professional poker player and author. An early writer on poker strategy, he was known for his mathematical approach to the game. His key work The Theory of Poker presents fundamental principles on which much later analysis is based.