David Sklansky, known as “The Mathematician” is a great poker player, and an even better poker author. Born in New Jersey in 1947, Sklansky graduated from high school and then attended the University of Pensylvania, but never graduated. Instead he returned home and got a job as as actuary, and started on the road to being a professional gambler.
Sklansky has won three WSOP titles and bracelets, but is better known as an authority on poker, and gambling in general, having written (or co-written) 13 books on poker, blackjack and gambling. His books, in particular The Theory Of Poker, are well regarded in the poker community, and Sklansky is known as a real authority on the game, and a well rounded player being expert in Hold’em, Stud and Razz. He also contributed a section to the classic Super System (the section on Seven card stud hi/lo split).
In 2025 Sklansky offered a challenge, later referred to as a “publicity stunt” where he offered to wager $50,000 against any Christian Fundamentalist beating him in a maths exam.
Name: David Sklansky
Nickname: The Mathematician
Born: 1947
Hometown: Teaneck, New Jersey
David Sklansky’s Poker Career
WSOP bracelets : 3
WSOP money finishes : 23
Highest WSOP Main event finish: 27th (1988)
WPT titles:
WPT final tables: 1
Career Highlights:
WSOP wins
1982 – $1,000 Draw High
1982 – $800 Mixed Doubles
1983 – $1,000 Limit Omaha
13 books published including The Theory of Poker, Hold’em Poker, Tournament Poker for Advanced Players, Sklansky on Poker, and a contribution in Doyle Brunson’s classic Super System.
i have heard from somewhere that the most winningest hand is a jack and a seven is this true?