SSK, K2 TOG TBL

I got this from Kaye Collins, the instructor from my little spinning retreat a month ago. I remembered all the frustration I had with the ssk, and k2 tog tbl, so I don't know if this clarifies anything, since I don't know the Eastern method. But I put it out there if it will help someone else.

A question came up regarding the difference, if any, of SSK verses K2tog
tbl. YES there is a difference as I try it at home. When you SLIP (as if
to knit), SLIP, KNIT (ssk) you twist the stitches as you slip them to the RH
needle and then knit in the back of those stitches. BUT K 2 tog tbl does
not work on twisted stitches. The only exception is when using the Eastern
crossed method of purling which twists the stitches so when you knit the
next row you must k tbl to untwist them AND when you K 2 tog tbl on these
stitches (that are twisted) is exactly like SSK. I use the Eastern method
so SSK and K2 tog tbl are always the same for me- but my answer to you was
not complete in that most folks do not use Eastern crossed way of purling.
SSK gives a slightly crisper decrease because the stitches are crossed when
slipped then knit in the back and that uncrosses them so actually they lay
uncrossed and that does look a bit different.