Page 12 - Jackpot Magazine Tunica ~ June, 2023

PLAY TO WIN
Brunson: A legendary journey through poker
“This one is a heartbreaker. Doyle Brunson, the greatest poker player who ever lived, has cashed in his chips.”
— James Woods, actor and poker player
Not everyone knows this, but back in the day, casino poker rooms used “shills,” poker players who were paid a wage by the casino to start games and make it appear that winning was more likely than it really was. My grandfather was a shill in Las Vegas and also a poker dealer, often doing back-to-back stints, with just a cup of hot coffee and a quick change of clothing in between. Of course, the use of shills ended in Las Vegas in the ’70s, but before then it
rooms of Fort Worth, Texas, where he played alongside experienced gamblers and learned the nuances of the game.
In the early 1970s, Brunson’s talents began to draw attention on a larger scale. He found success in high-stakes cash games and made his mark on the tournament circuit. In 1976, he won his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in the $5,000 No-Limit 2-7 Draw event. He wasn’t done, though, and went on to win the 1976 $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship along with $230,000. These victories served as springboards for his career and solidified his reputation as one of the game’s best.
The next year Brunson achieved what is arguably his most significant accomplishment. He won the WSOP Main Event for the second consecutive year, an extraordinary feat worth $340,000 that showcased his exceptional skills and solidified his status as a poker superstar. The back-to-back victories in the prestigious Main Event brought Brunson into the limelight and made him a household
name among poker enthusiasts.
Beyond his success in the WSOP,
Brunson’s contributions to the game extended far and wide. His legendary poker strategy book, Super/System, which was first published in 1978, inspired countless players. The book, also known as Doyle Brunson’s Super/System: A Course in Power Poker, revolutionized the way poker was played and analyzed. It provided invaluable insights into various poker variants and strategies, becoming an indispensable resource for aspiring players. Brunson
quipped that the how-to book was so informative that it cost him a lot of money.
Brunson continued to achieve remarkable milestones throughout his career. His unparalleled success and longevity in the game earned him induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988 and solidified his status as one of the greatest
players in history.
Brunson’s influence can be seen in the
countless professionals who have been inspired by his achievements and teachings. His dedication to the game and his ability to adapt to changing trends have made him an enduring figure in the poker community.
Beyond his poker accolades, Brunson was admired for his humble and down-to- earth personality. Despite his success, he always remained approachable and eager to share his wisdom with aspiring players. He was known for his charisma and entertaining storytelling, which endeared him to fans worldwide.
Doyle Brunson’s name is synonymous with poker greatness and serves as a reminder of the rich history and evolution of the game. His early successes paved the way for a career filled with remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions to the poker world. Brunson’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, ensuring that his name remains forever etched in the annals of poker history.
Word of his passing sparked tributes from fellow poker greats and celebrity players on Twitter, where Brunson was known as @TexDolly:
“Sad day. We lost @TexDolly, the most iconic player in poker’s history. His legacy will live on forever. I’ve been so inspired by his passion and his ability to play at such a high level well into his 80s. It’s the end of an era.” — Erik Seidel
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was great for guys like my really loved playing poker. And while my
grandfather who
grandfather and many
others in his generation
enjoyed playing on both
sides of the poker table,
he never achieved fame
or legendary status from
his play. One who did,
however, was Doyle
“Texas Dolly” Brunson,
considered one of the
most influential figures in
the history of the game.
Born on Aug. 10, 1933, in Longworth, Texas, Brunson’s career was a remarkable journey filled with early successes and enduring achievements that have solidified his place as a poker legend. The legend passed away May 14.
Brunson’s journey into the world of poker began in the 1950s when he attended Hardin-Simmons University on a basketball scholarship. However, an injury forced him to reconsider his career path. It was during his recovery that Brunson discovered poker, a game that would change his life forever. He honed his skills in the underground poker
12 JACKPOT! MAGAZINE June 2023
THE SOUTH’S LARGEST GUIDE TO GAMING & FUN • www.jackpotmagazine.com
Doyle Brunson