Rip David Sklansky

boxwaxer said:

Anyone learn from or read any of his books?

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What Sklansky Says Specifically (paraphrased from his books and 2+2 forum posts)​

1. "Never limp first in."
   If you are the first to enter a pot (no one has raised), you should either fold or raise. Limping is mathematically inferior.
2. "Limping behind other limpers is sometimes OK."
   In multi-way pots with several limpers already, completing from the small blind or limping on the button with a speculative hand (small pair, suited connector) can be profitable if the blinds are unlikely to raise. But even then, raising is often better.
3. "The only exception is the small blind."
   In a multi-way pot, completing from the small blind with any two cards can be correct because you are getting a discount. But Sklansky notes that many players overuse this and should raise more often from the small blind.
4. "Limping is a sign of a weak player."
   In The Theory of Poker, he argues that consistent limping is a leak. Strong players raise or fold; they rarely call.

What About "Sitter Limping"?​

• That's free money in the pot. You should raise to isolate the dead money, not limp behind it.
• Limping behind a dead blind is even worse than limping normally — you are letting live players see a cheap flop with you while there is free money to be claimed.

Summary Table: Sklansky on Limping​

The One Exception Sklansky Acknowledges​

boxwaxer said:

Anyone learn from or read any of his books?

Click to expand...