Among gamblers, Doyle has always been “the man”. Why? Well, to put it simple, Doyle creates ‘action’. His philosophy and the creed he lives by is, “You have to give action to get action”, and nobody does it better. If you want action, whether it’s playing poker, betting on golf matches, wagering on a sporting event, or proposition betting on anything, Doyle is your man.
I first met Doyle nearly thirty years ago. I was living in North Carolina at the time and was making my first trip to Las Vegas. I stayed with Danny Robison (who I grew up with) and Chip Reese, two guys from Dayton, Ohio who were dominating Vegas poker at that time. They were young rich guys living the dream life in Vegas.
After arriving and taking a tour of their house (which was incredible), I said to Danny, “What’s on tap for tomorrow?” He answered, “I’ve got a big golf match – a $10,000 Nassau (meaning bets on the front nine, back nine, and total) with one automatic press a side.” I said, “Really, with who?” He said, “I’m playing a guy that weighs 400 pounds!” I queried, “How many strokes are you giving him?” He answered, “A half a shot a side.”
I couldn’t believe what I just heard! I couldn’t believe it because Danny was a great athlete in high school and excelled at golf. (He played #1 on a high school state championship golf team and received a golf scholarship to college.) To me, Danny playing anyone at a half a shot a side (a minimal spot) seemed like a great bet, let alone a guy who weighed 400 pounds!
Still reeling in disbelief, I said, “No one in the world anywhere near that size can beat you at golf with a half a shot a side.” He chuckled and said, “Believe me, this will be a tough match. You’re welcome to have a piece of my action if you like.”
I thought I had died and gone to heaven. My entire bankroll and life savings ($2500) was in my pocket and I was investing it all. I took $500 of his action and couldn’t sleep that night thinking of my ‘sure thing’.
The next morning we headed out to the Las Vegas Country Club. It was there I met Mr. Doyle Brunson. I was mesmerized as I watched Doyle. The match was played from the back tees and Doyle shot 72 (even par). He beat Danny for four bets (and me for $2000). Although Doyle was the enemy and I hated him that day, I couldn’t help but admire the guy. Needless to say, I learned a lot that first day in Las Vegas.
Doyle grew up in Texas, thus the handle ‘Texas Dolly’. His poker skills are well known, but I was stunned by his athletic talent. In high school, Doyle was an all-state basketball player and a track star in the mile run. He was headed for a pro basketball career when his knee went out his final year in college (where he was the most valuable player in the conference). Then and now, I can only think of one word for Doyle – amazing.
Next, I’ll tell you my favorite Doyle Brunson story.
Take care.
Mike Sexton
Dieser Artikel erschien auf PokerOlymp am 27.04.2007.
