Poker hall of famer dies

12/05/2007

According to media reports from the United States today (Tuesday) three time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, Poker Hall of Famer and legendary cash game poker ace David "Chip" Reese died in the early hours, aged 56. As we went to press no further details on his passing were available.

The youngest player ever inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1991, Rees's success is unrivalled, yet his original career intention on graduating college was to attend Stanford Business School. He was sidetracked after winning a $40 000 tournament, starting a professional playing career that left no time for futher formal education.

The champion won his first WSOP bracelet in 1978 in the Seven Card Stud Split event. In 1982, he was awarded another WSOP bracelet in the $5 000 Seven Card Stud event.

Fellow legend Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson characterised Reese as "the best Seven Card stud player I've ever played with," in one of his books. A regular in the "Big Game" at the Bellagio, Reese was also a renowned sports bettor, and was considered to be a potent baseball handicapper.

One of Reese's major wins occurred last year (2006) at the World Series of Poker, when he took the $50 000 buy-in inaugural H.O.R.S.E. event. A combination of the ultimate test of all-around poker skill and the huge $1.7 million winner's cheque and WSOP bracelet attracted the best on the planet and was won by Reese after an epic seven hour heads up final against Andy Bloch.

Mike Sexton paid tribute to Reese, saying: "Chip Reese was probably the most successful poker player in history. He was also the youngest player ever inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, and deservedly so. For years, most players considered Chip to be the best all-around poker player and by winning the inaugural $50,000 buy-in HORSE tournament at the 2006 WSOP, he cemented that status. Chip has always been admired by players for his success, his demeanor at the table, and the fact that he never steamed or went on tilt. When you mention poker 'greats', put Chip Reese on the top of the list."