Chip Reese

As everyone in the poker community probably knows by now, Chip Reese died unexpectedly last night. He may be one of the most unknown great players of all-time. Ask any casual fan who he is, and they may or may not know him. Yet if you asked any world class player to name the top all-around player, Chip's would likely get mentioned. He was the epitome of the professional poker player. In a day and age where the "top" players often can only play NLH effectively, he could play any game at a world class level, and he rarely if ever lost his cool. He likely could have been one of the best tournament players also, but he chose to stick with the bread and butter of any good poker player, cash games. This also kept him close to his family. However, his proudest moment may have been winning the inagural 50K HORSE Championship in 2006 at the WSOP. This was because his family, and in particular his sons, were able to watch it first hand. The money was nice, but who are we kidding, he made and lost that amount many days each year.

I have never heard one bad word mentioned about Chip. This speaks volumes in the self-centered cut-throat world we compete in. The poker world is mourning today because of Chip's death. R.I.P.