Rating: 
Summary: A solid read for those interested in winning at casino poker
Review: If you thought you knew before how to approach the game of poker, this book will completely change your mind. Sklansky paints a very businesslike portrait of what it takes to be a consistent winner at real stakes poker. From understanding raising, to caculating your odds for actually betting your hand, this book can give any weekend player a boost to the next level. The best part is that this book is not a one time read. To fully benefit, one must continue to study the tools provided within in order to eventually master the basic mathmatics that will make the average player become a powerful player. Already I am reaping the benefits, and I feel as if I am just starting to learn. The "Theory of Poker" is an excellent text for learning an age old game you thought you already knew.
Rating: 
Summary: The definitive work on limit poker
Review: In this groundbreaking book, Sklansky introduces the reader to advanced poker concepts such as semi-bluffing, game theory, reading hands, and so on. Sklansky gives advice on these and many more topics in his typically clear and concise style. This book has to be reread and studied to fully benefit from its ideas, but rest assured it is easy to dip into and will undoubtedly improve your standard of play. My one criticism is that their is insufficient coverage of no-limit and pot-limit poker, which is the prevailing form of poker outside the USA. Other than this the book is a must buy for all serious players. Anyone hoping to play poker for profit, or just wanting to get the better of everyone at their private game, should read this book.
Rating:
Summary: The Odds-On Favorite on Gambling Theory
Review: Invariably at or near the top of any list of serious titles on poker, this book is the leading work on poker theory. Since virtually every dedicated player has read it, to play without reading it is to put yourself at a disadvantage. Sklansky focuses on the math of poker--how to calculate odds, pot odds, reverse implied pot odds, etc. It's not a fun read; it reminded me of some of the college textbooks I dreaded, but it rewards hard work with a new depth of insight that will make you a smarter, more insightful player. It deserves five stars but I gave it four because it can be so dreary. No colorful stories of how so-and-so went all in with a pair of fours only to [take out a set on the River, etc. Sklansky is so professorial in tone it's hard to imagine him at smoky poker table betting the farm. And in truth, he's more noted as a theoretician than a player. But if you want to play poker for serious stakes, this book is required reading.
Rating:
Summary: Must have TEXTBOOK on poker.
Review: It's not the easiest reading around, but it does teach you how to play poker the right way. Skalnsky's prose is tiresome at times, but he's trying to convey theoretical poker play in a clear and concise manner. A definate read for the medium to advanced poker player.
Rating:
Summary: Most Important Book In Poker
Review: Let's get right to the point. This is the single most important book on poker ever published. The Theory of Poker does not contain a lot of information on how to play certain hands, and in those places where it does, it is only to illustrate a bigger point. The methodology taught here is to understand general situations, not specific instances that one will encounter in play, thus it truly is The Theory of Poker.
Now, don't get the idea that merely by possessing this book and holding it next to your head for a while you'll turn into a world class poker player. That is not at all the case. This book does not require reading to unlock its wisdom, it requires study, and many hours of it. Unless your are a seasoned poker veteran, you cannot expect to get very much out of it the first time through. This book requires, and warrants, several thorough readings.
Right from the preface, the reader is advised as to what will be required:
This book is about the general theories and concepts of poker play, which are operative in nearly every variation of poker... . 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. [...] Rules of thumb that say to fold one hand, call with another, and raise with yet another simply won't get a poker player beyond the beginning stages.
Sklansky discusses many critical concepts of poker, often for the first time anywhere. He discusses pot odds, effective odds, implied odds, and reverse implied odds. He covers the semi-bluff, defending against the semi-bluff, check-raising, and slowplaying. He covers the advanced topics of game theory, hand reading, and psychology. There is no important aspect of poker play that escapes Sklansky's attention.
Because of the depth and breadth of the subject matter he covers, Sklansky's readers will have to spend significant time to apply this information to their own games, hence the requirement for study. Despite the fact that Sklansky communicates this information in as clear a manner as I could imagine, there is still sufficient opportunity for the reader to misunderstand or misapply the principles offered here. As I've repeatedly said, even though this is a critically important book, it is by no means an easy book.
The bottom line, though, is that in my opinion it is the best book on poker ever published. This is an absolute must read for all serious players, but be prepared to spend some serious time on it.
Capsule:
In my opinion, this is the most important book on poker ever published. This is a serious work and it deserves (and requires) a great deal of study by those who wish to learn its principles. It's my opinion that the poker skills of those who do not study this book will significantly lag behind those who do. If you're a serious poker player, you cannot afford not to read this book.
Rating:
Summary: The Poker Bible
Review: No other book is as well organized, as thorough, or as accurate for new poker players. I started knowing nothing, but after reading this book, I win on a regular basis. If you want to be a good player, accept no substitutes.
Rating:
Summary: Poker Primer
Review: Not for the casual beginner, but anyone who is seriously interested in poker this is probably the best comprehensive book on poker fundamentals.
Rating:
Summary: strong candidate for the single most important book on poker
Review: Poker isn't science, and Sklansky's Theory of Poker isn't a graduate text in astrophysics. Poker also isn't art, and if you leave Theory of Poker conspicuously on your coffee table, few of your friends will feel it adds to the room's ambience. Poker is a game, however, and an important part of any game is conceptualization. Theory of Poker presents the most important conceptualization of poker for any serious, winning player. It's not a how-to book, and it isn't filled with entertaining stories about poker's colorful characters. But reading this book is like having a long, detailed conversation with a friend who has thought things through. You might want to argue a fine point here or there, or extend the discussion a bit. There are places where some more detailed analysis might be helpful. But for the most part, your reaction is liable to be along the lines of, "You know, that's a really good way of thinking about it."Theory of Poker isn't a how-to book. But it can reasonably be claimed that the best strategy advice follows from the kind of analysis Sklansky presents, in many cases directly from Sklansky's. Don't make it your first book on poker. But if you plan to take poker seriously, and you don't want to reinvent the wheel, it's the single book that will save you the most wheel reinvention time.
Rating:
Summary: The Real "Poker Bible"
Review: Read and re-read this book. You will need to do that to grasp some of the concepts within. All you need to know about poker theory is in here. If you are serious about poker and taking your game to a higher level - this is a must have - no question.
Rating:
Summary: The best of 5 so far
Review: Sklansky book is definitely for the more serious player, though you don't need to be a professional to enjoy. This one ranks right up there with Kriegers 'Hold'em Excellence, though different reads. I have gone back through them a few times each, and something always is re-emphasized for me - an amateur.
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