9 replies to this topic

[NYIsles]

I've read many poker texts, but not this one. I've already gone through and understand Sklansky's Hold 'Em for Advanced Players and Tournament Poker, as well as SuperSystem, ITH, Caro, Daugherty/McEvoy's No Limit, Lee Jones, etc... I was in the bookstore today looking to pick up a new poker text for an upcoming plane ride, thought about Theory and then passed since I've already read so many texts on Hold 'Em and on theory in general. So I picked up a text on High Low Split poker instead.Can anybody who's read Theory AND some of the other Sklansky (and aforementioned) texts tell me if there's anything in Theory that's not in the other texts? (I just don't want to shell out $30 for information I've already seen 10X over...)Thanks in advance...

[JaysonWeber]

I own this book, read it a lot, saved some time on the response, found a review online I agreed with... Quite honestly, this should be the 3rd or 4th book you buy, from your post it seems like you've read a lot and know what you're doing enough to read this. You're gonna love this book man its a treat. Heres the reviewThe Theory of Poker is one of, if not the best book on poker ever written. It is a serious, comprehensive guide to the game of poker. In it, Sklansky gives readers insight into each factor one must consider throughout the game. The book goes through each aspect of the game thoroughly, detailing the theory behind the game, as well as detailing the thought processes of advanced players. This being said, The Theory of Poker is one of the best books out there on the subject of poker. Throughout The Theory of Poker, Sklansky touches on every imaginable aspect of poker. There is a whole chapter dedicated to each of these aspects, including but definitely not limited to: the Ante, to Pot Odds, to Bluffing, to Reading Hands. There are twenty five chapters in all, each detailing a different aspect of the game. Each of these concepts is thoroughly explained by Sklansky using example hands from each of the major poker games. From the preface: "This book is about the general theories and concepts of poker play... It is not a how-to book in the sense of providing the basic rules and a step-by-step procedure for playing the various games." Thus, this book is not a book for a beginner looking for a quick lesson in poker. This book is for the beginner who is looking to become a serious poker player, or an intermediate or advanced player looking to better their game substantially. This book is not intended to be a casual read through. It’s intended to be more like a text book. A casual read through may give you some information, but if you’re serious about increasing your poker skills, you will want to study this book. I have nothing but praise for The Theory of Poker. If you’re looking to become a good poker player, buy this book. This is easily one of, if not the best books on poker theory. Don’t get it expecting to read through once and be an expert though. The book contains complex theories, not step-by-step procedures, about the general game of poker. Whether you’re interested in stud, hold'em, or draw poker, the theories in this book are dead on. The Theory of Poker deserves, and requires a good deal of study, but anyone who puts in the time to study the book will see huge results in their poker game. I recommend every serious poker player study this book.

[NYIsles]

Thanks, Jayson. I agree that Sklansky's theories are invaluable - but I'm specifically asking whether or not I'm going to find ideas in Theory that he hasn't covered (and expanded on) in his later (and I think) more advanced texts, which I've already studied.In other words, is Theory simply a prereq for the books in his Advanced Players Series (such as Hold 'Em For Advanced Players), or are there topics in Theory that are beyond the scope of his Advanced Players Series? And if so, can you give me an example or two of what those topics might be?Thanks in advance...

[JaysonWeber]

Mm... Good question, I haven't read Every book in his Advanced Series, so I can not say forsure... but Even if it WAS a pre-req like you're wondering. It's still worth it becuase you have all of that in ONE book. I like to think that he puts more into this book. Sorry for not giving an exact answer here. Either way though, You should really pick the book up for 29.99 at a local barnes n nobles or around 20 plus shipping on amazon.

[tekn0wledg]

I have to say Sklansky's books are the best I have read thus far. He does cover basic concepts in his books, but he goes into additional items that some books don't cover. Particularly he emphasizes betting and raising for value whereas most books don't relaly emphasize this as much. That's just one example I can think of off the top of my head though. This pertains particularly to his advanced series of books.The theory of poker may be 90% of what you've read before, but the 10% you haven't read might be the difference in increasing your game....

[jonnyz]

You need to read theory of poker. his holdem books mention some of the theories in TOP but they do not give in any real detail. Read TOP then reread HPFAP it will help.

[NYIsles]

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the input...

[Eclypse]

Theory of Poker is Sklansky's most important book. It's not a FUN read, nor is it an EASY read; however, it is the most important book he's written for serious students of the game. You'll see why after you read it.Many of the concepts in TOP are breifly discussed in his other books, but not to the degree that you'd want to skip TOP. Having said all that, I would NOT recommend this book to a beginning player. It's just too difficult for someone that doesn't have much experience. For a beginning Hold'em player, I would recommend the following books in the following order:1. Hold'em Poker by David Sklansky (note: I'm NOT talking about the one for Advanced Players)2. Low-Limit Hold'em by Lee Jones3. Small Stakes Hold'em by Ed Miller, Sklansky and Malmuth (then give away your copy of Lee Jones to a friend because you won't need it anymore after reading this more advanced and accurate book).4. Theory of Poker5. Hold'em Poker for Advanced Players.

[Dick Danger]

TOP sent me back to school. I had to sit in on a couple of evening math classes to wrap my head around the math in the book.