Anyone who knows anything about poker history has heard the name Amarillo Slim. His name is probably the most recognized name in the poker community and is a Living Poker Legend.
Thomas A "Amarillo Slim" Preston was born in Johnson, Arkansas on December 31, 1928. When he was still in his early stages of childhood, his family migrated to Amarillo, Texas where he grew up. Before entering into the world of poker, he first began playing pool, his real passion, and quickly became an excellent hustler and made a great deal of money at it... "Amarillo Slim": Online Biography
Benny Binion
Most people know of Benny Binion because the World Series of Poker is held at the casino he owned. He never attended schools of any sort, but he had many great achievements, though. With the opening of Binion's Horseshoe casino in 1951, gambling made its grand debut in Las Vegas .
At the young age of 18, he was living in Texas where he operated an illegal numbers racket. He had had some very violent experiences, followed by being shot. Deciding enough was enough, he moved to Las Vegas . He arrived in 1946 and in 1951 he realized the grand opening of the Horseshoe....
Benny Binion: Online Biography
Doyle Brunson
One of the many legends in the world of poker is Doyle Brunson. Two time winner of the World Series of Poker twice and has 8 bracelets. He published a book 25 years ago called "Super/System" - which explained in detail all of his winning secrets for poker. It is considered by some as the Bible for poker players. The book helped popularize poker as well as educate the public with successful strategies which caused poker to become a more difficult game (some people believe that the book is outdated and David Sklansky has totally rewritten it)... Doyle Brunson: Online Biography
James Butler Hickock
James Butler Hickock, born in Troy Grove , Illinois , on May 27, 1837, was gunned down in a saloon in Deadwood, Dakota Territory , on the 2 nd of August, 1876. Feared for his reputed skills as a gunman, and well noted as a professional gambler. He occupied the position of a U.S. town marshal and later tried show business and failed, after he got discharged from his job as marshal for wounding and killing more than just criminals.
On the 2 nd August, 1876 , Wild Bill participated in a poker game in the saloon in Deadwood, Dakota Territory and for the first time sat facing away from the open door... James Butler Hickock: Online Biography
Johnny Moss
Moss grew up in Odessa, Texas where he learned how to gamble as a young boy. A group of cheaters taught him how to cheat in games, but Moss put this knowledge to good use.
As a teenager he was hired by a local saloon to watch over games and make sure they were played fair. While he was keeping games safe from cheaters, he was also learning the strategy behind playing poker. Two years later he became a rounder, a player that travels the country looking for gambling action... Johnny Moss: Online Biography
Stu "The Kid" Ungar
Born on September 8, 1953 Stu Ungar was originally a champion gin player. When he was 10 years old in 1963 he won a local tournament, and by 1967 he was regarded as one of the best players in New York. He dropped out of school in 1968 to play gin rummy full time and began winning tournaments earning him $10,000 or more. He later moved to Miami, Florida to find more action, and in 1976 he left for Las Vegas, Nevada... Stu Ungar : Online Biography
