Stuey took on all comers in gin rummy, and ran over everybody those first few years in Las Vegas. After the
action dried up for him in gin rummy, he was forced, more or less, to start playing poker. It was Hall of Famer
Jack Straus who pointed out to Stuey, "Nobody can beat you in gin rummy, Stuey, you're just too damn good! All
the money and action is out there on the golf course. Come out to the golf course with me, and I'll show you a few
fundamentals." Jack led Stuey out to the golf course, and remember, not only had Stuey never played golf, he had
never even seen a golf course; he was from the city.
Once there, Jack told Stuey, "This is the putting green – this is where all the money is won. Let me show you a
few basics on putting." As they waited for their tee time, something amazing happened on the practice putting
green. Stuey wanted to putt for $100 per hole. Of course, he had never putted and had zero touch on the putting
green. As his losses mounted, he kept raising the stakes to $500 per hole, then $1,000 per hole, and soon $5,000
per hole. Before Stu Ungar reached the first tee, he had lost $80,000 on the practice putting green. Action was
Stuey's middle name, but I seriously doubt anyone else on the planet would've lost $80,000 on the practice green
before playing their first hole!
action dried up for him in gin rummy, he was forced, more or less, to start playing poker. It was Hall of Famer
Jack Straus who pointed out to Stuey, "Nobody can beat you in gin rummy, Stuey, you're just too damn good! All
the money and action is out there on the golf course. Come out to the golf course with me, and I'll show you a few
fundamentals." Jack led Stuey out to the golf course, and remember, not only had Stuey never played golf, he had
never even seen a golf course; he was from the city.
Once there, Jack told Stuey, "This is the putting green – this is where all the money is won. Let me show you a
few basics on putting." As they waited for their tee time, something amazing happened on the practice putting
green. Stuey wanted to putt for $100 per hole. Of course, he had never putted and had zero touch on the putting
green. As his losses mounted, he kept raising the stakes to $500 per hole, then $1,000 per hole, and soon $5,000
per hole. Before Stu Ungar reached the first tee, he had lost $80,000 on the practice putting green. Action was
Stuey's middle name, but I seriously doubt anyone else on the planet would've lost $80,000 on the practice green
before playing their first hole!
Once at La Costa Country Club in Carlsbad, California, Stuey and Mike Sexton were at the bar with a few others. As drinks were ordered down the
line, the bartender hesitated when he got to Stu Ungar. The bartender thought he looked too young, and said he would have to see some ID first.
Stuey said, "Whaddya talking about? I don't carry ID on me."
The bartender said, "Then I can't serve you."
As he began to walk away, Stuey said, "Wait! You're telling me that if I don't have an ID, you won't serve me?"
The bartender said, "That's right." With that, Stuey cocked his head and said "You want to see ID? It's Benjamin Franklin!" Stuey stood up, reached
into his pockets and pulled out about $20,000 and slapped it on top of the bar. "There's my ID," Stuey said. "Now, let me ask you, you think a
teenager would be walking around with that kind of money?"
The bartender, now hoping to receive a nice tip, said "You've got a good point, sir, what will you have?" When the bartender served Stuey a
Budweiser, Stuey promptly tipped him $200. This was classic Stuey.
During the summer 1998, the last summer of Stuey's life, my brother had helped Nolan Dalla connect with Stuey, to record Stuey's memoirs to write
his autobiography. Mike had helped Stuey with a place to stay, by checking him into the Gold Coast Hotel on his credit card. Stuey could charge for
any food or movies, and I learned firsthand of some of Stuey's eccentric ways. Mike asked me to take $100 per week over to Stuey every Monday,
and said be sure you don't give him any more, as Mike didn't want Stuey to be tempted to buy drugs. He loved Stuey, but always worried about
Stuey's weakness of taking drugs. This would be for pocket money only for him, as Mike had to go to Europe for several weeks. He could charge
anything he needed to his room. The first Monday I met Stuey at the Gold Coast, we sat down at that little ice cream shop that used to be across from
the check-in front desk. We shook hands and sat down. I pulled my checkbook out, where I had tucked a $100 bill in it for Stuey. The moment I
pulled my checkbook out, Stuey jumped up very upset, and said, "You're not going to write me a check, are you? I don't have ID or a checking
account… please don't tell me you're giving me a check!"
As soon as I pulled his $100 bill out of the checkbook, his whole demeanor switched to being really nice, like a little kid happy to get what he wanted.
After meeting Stuey every Monday at the Gold Coast for three weeks, I got a panicked phone call from him in the middle of the night. Stuey said,
"Mike said to call you if there was any kind of #@!#& emergency while he is out of town."
I asked, "Why, what's wrong Stuey?"
Stuey went on, "The manager said he was throwing me out of the hotel tomorrow. I tried to tell him who I am, but he said it didn't matter, that I still
have to get out of the hotel tomorrow!" I told Stuey I'd be right over.
When I got there, I asked to see the manager at the front desk. When I asked him what the problem was with Stu Ungar, he said, "There is not really
a problem, other than the credit card he is staying here on has expired, that's all. I tried to explain it to him, but he went off like a helicopter."
I said, "If that is all that it is, here is another credit card for you to use."
About that time, Stuey came flying around the corner shouting with his hands up in the air, "Did you explain to this guy who I am, and put a stop to this
%$*&#?"
I told Stuey I did explain everything, and that Stuey wouldn't be asked to leave now. Again, Stuey's body language completely changed and relaxed,
once his problem seemed solved.
Stu Ungar was someone with a genius IQ and a photographic memory with cards, but who struggled with many of the normal, mundane things we all
have to deal with in life. He couldn't set up a VCR, or put oil in his car. He was eccentric, impatient, temperamental, and explosive in disposition over
small things, but on the big stage, when the spotlight was on him, he was the most decorated and accomplished tournament poker player in history.
Stay tuned for Part 4 of Stu Ungar's story.
The Cab is Parked,
Tom Sexton
line, the bartender hesitated when he got to Stu Ungar. The bartender thought he looked too young, and said he would have to see some ID first.
Stuey said, "Whaddya talking about? I don't carry ID on me."
The bartender said, "Then I can't serve you."
As he began to walk away, Stuey said, "Wait! You're telling me that if I don't have an ID, you won't serve me?"
The bartender said, "That's right." With that, Stuey cocked his head and said "You want to see ID? It's Benjamin Franklin!" Stuey stood up, reached
into his pockets and pulled out about $20,000 and slapped it on top of the bar. "There's my ID," Stuey said. "Now, let me ask you, you think a
teenager would be walking around with that kind of money?"
The bartender, now hoping to receive a nice tip, said "You've got a good point, sir, what will you have?" When the bartender served Stuey a
Budweiser, Stuey promptly tipped him $200. This was classic Stuey.
During the summer 1998, the last summer of Stuey's life, my brother had helped Nolan Dalla connect with Stuey, to record Stuey's memoirs to write
his autobiography. Mike had helped Stuey with a place to stay, by checking him into the Gold Coast Hotel on his credit card. Stuey could charge for
any food or movies, and I learned firsthand of some of Stuey's eccentric ways. Mike asked me to take $100 per week over to Stuey every Monday,
and said be sure you don't give him any more, as Mike didn't want Stuey to be tempted to buy drugs. He loved Stuey, but always worried about
Stuey's weakness of taking drugs. This would be for pocket money only for him, as Mike had to go to Europe for several weeks. He could charge
anything he needed to his room. The first Monday I met Stuey at the Gold Coast, we sat down at that little ice cream shop that used to be across from
the check-in front desk. We shook hands and sat down. I pulled my checkbook out, where I had tucked a $100 bill in it for Stuey. The moment I
pulled my checkbook out, Stuey jumped up very upset, and said, "You're not going to write me a check, are you? I don't have ID or a checking
account… please don't tell me you're giving me a check!"
As soon as I pulled his $100 bill out of the checkbook, his whole demeanor switched to being really nice, like a little kid happy to get what he wanted.
After meeting Stuey every Monday at the Gold Coast for three weeks, I got a panicked phone call from him in the middle of the night. Stuey said,
"Mike said to call you if there was any kind of #@!#& emergency while he is out of town."
I asked, "Why, what's wrong Stuey?"
Stuey went on, "The manager said he was throwing me out of the hotel tomorrow. I tried to tell him who I am, but he said it didn't matter, that I still
have to get out of the hotel tomorrow!" I told Stuey I'd be right over.
When I got there, I asked to see the manager at the front desk. When I asked him what the problem was with Stu Ungar, he said, "There is not really
a problem, other than the credit card he is staying here on has expired, that's all. I tried to explain it to him, but he went off like a helicopter."
I said, "If that is all that it is, here is another credit card for you to use."
About that time, Stuey came flying around the corner shouting with his hands up in the air, "Did you explain to this guy who I am, and put a stop to this
%$*&#?"
I told Stuey I did explain everything, and that Stuey wouldn't be asked to leave now. Again, Stuey's body language completely changed and relaxed,
once his problem seemed solved.
Stu Ungar was someone with a genius IQ and a photographic memory with cards, but who struggled with many of the normal, mundane things we all
have to deal with in life. He couldn't set up a VCR, or put oil in his car. He was eccentric, impatient, temperamental, and explosive in disposition over
small things, but on the big stage, when the spotlight was on him, he was the most decorated and accomplished tournament poker player in history.
Stay tuned for Part 4 of Stu Ungar's story.
The Cab is Parked,
Tom Sexton
I
t was about 30 years ago, when I remember being at the Dunes Hotel, where the Bellagio sits today. Danny Robison came over to me and
said, "Tom, see that guy over there that looks like a 15-year-old kid? That is Stu Ungar from New York, and his people want me to play him
gin rummy.
said, "Tom, see that guy over there that looks like a 15-year-old kid? That is Stu Ungar from New York, and his people want me to play him
gin rummy.
I've heard he is supposed to be the best…. I've been up for two days playing poker, but I don't think
there is any way that kid can beat me in gin rummy!" My brother, Mike, and I grew up in the same
neighborhood with Danny in Dayton, Ohio. Danny, of course, found instant fame as Chip Reese's
partner when the two of them stormed Las Vegas in 1974. Danny was, and still is, considered one of
the best 7-card stud players on the planet. He was known for being one of the best gin rummy
players, as well. Danny had already made a lot of money in Las Vegas when he and Stu Ungar sat
down to play. Stuey desperately needed to hit a big score that night, as he owed a lot of money to a
scary bookmaker back in New York. Stuey had previously entered a $1,500 gin rummy tournament
in Las Vegas at the Union Plaza, and won $50,000 for first place. However, Stuey needed much
more, to escape having to worry and look over his shoulder from the past. At the time, Stuey was 23
years old, flamboyant, and cocky. Danny, if you have ever seen him play, is Mr. Flamboyant, with a
gift of gab at the tables unlike any player in the world. Thus, their epic gin rummy match unfolded.
When the dust cleared over the week-end, Stuey had cleaned Danny's clock, winning $100,000 from
Danny!and Stu Ungar sat down to play. Stuey desperately needed to hit a big score that night,
there is any way that kid can beat me in gin rummy!" My brother, Mike, and I grew up in the same
neighborhood with Danny in Dayton, Ohio. Danny, of course, found instant fame as Chip Reese's
partner when the two of them stormed Las Vegas in 1974. Danny was, and still is, considered one of
the best 7-card stud players on the planet. He was known for being one of the best gin rummy
players, as well. Danny had already made a lot of money in Las Vegas when he and Stu Ungar sat
down to play. Stuey desperately needed to hit a big score that night, as he owed a lot of money to a
scary bookmaker back in New York. Stuey had previously entered a $1,500 gin rummy tournament
in Las Vegas at the Union Plaza, and won $50,000 for first place. However, Stuey needed much
more, to escape having to worry and look over his shoulder from the past. At the time, Stuey was 23
years old, flamboyant, and cocky. Danny, if you have ever seen him play, is Mr. Flamboyant, with a
gift of gab at the tables unlike any player in the world. Thus, their epic gin rummy match unfolded.
When the dust cleared over the week-end, Stuey had cleaned Danny's clock, winning $100,000 from
Danny!and Stu Ungar sat down to play. Stuey desperately needed to hit a big score that night,
as he owed a lot of money to a scary bookmaker back in New York. Stuey had previously entered a
$1,500 gin rummy tournament in Las Vegas at the Union Plaza, and won $50,000 for first place.
However, Stuey needed much more, to escape having to worry and look over his shoulder from the
past. At the time, Stuey was 23 years old, flamboyant, and cocky. Danny, if you have ever seen him
play, is Mr. Flamboyant, with a gift of gab at the tables unlike any player in the world. Thus, their epic
gin rummy match unfolded. When the dust cleared over the week-end, Stuey had cleaned Danny's
clock, winning $100,000 from Danny!
$1,500 gin rummy tournament in Las Vegas at the Union Plaza, and won $50,000 for first place.
However, Stuey needed much more, to escape having to worry and look over his shoulder from the
past. At the time, Stuey was 23 years old, flamboyant, and cocky. Danny, if you have ever seen him
play, is Mr. Flamboyant, with a gift of gab at the tables unlike any player in the world. Thus, their epic
gin rummy match unfolded. When the dust cleared over the week-end, Stuey had cleaned Danny's
clock, winning $100,000 from Danny!
Tom Sexton is the featured columnist on www.SextonsCorner.com, which has become one of poker's most popular and unique online web sites
around. It offers poker's most colorful stories with amazing photos and film clips to enjoy, with easy navigational capabilities. A new story appears
every Monday for the readers to look forward to. Check out the multiple home pages, the Archives, the Las Vegas Poker Rooms,
Poker's Trivia pages, and the Poker Store, where unique poker products are available for purchase. Tom was the official WSOP photographer for
Binion's Horseshoe from 1999 thru 2002, and is well known in the poker world for his world class artistic collages of poker's biggest stars with Poker
Masterpieces! Tom was an Ohio High School State All-Around gymnastic's champion as well as the 1st NCAA All-American and Big Eight
gymnastic's champion in history at the University of Oklahoma. He went on to teach High School and coached the gymnastic's team to several State
Championships. His brother, Mike Sexton, found TV fame as host for the World Poker Tour, now entering it's seventh remarkable season, and was
voted by his peers as Poker's Ambassador for his contributions to the industry. Tom welcomes your thoughts and comments about any of his articles.
His email is: Tom@SextonsCorner.com
around. It offers poker's most colorful stories with amazing photos and film clips to enjoy, with easy navigational capabilities. A new story appears
every Monday for the readers to look forward to. Check out the multiple home pages, the Archives, the Las Vegas Poker Rooms,
Poker's Trivia pages, and the Poker Store, where unique poker products are available for purchase. Tom was the official WSOP photographer for
Binion's Horseshoe from 1999 thru 2002, and is well known in the poker world for his world class artistic collages of poker's biggest stars with Poker
Masterpieces! Tom was an Ohio High School State All-Around gymnastic's champion as well as the 1st NCAA All-American and Big Eight
gymnastic's champion in history at the University of Oklahoma. He went on to teach High School and coached the gymnastic's team to several State
Championships. His brother, Mike Sexton, found TV fame as host for the World Poker Tour, now entering it's seventh remarkable season, and was
voted by his peers as Poker's Ambassador for his contributions to the industry. Tom welcomes your thoughts and comments about any of his articles.
His email is: Tom@SextonsCorner.com
| Sexton's Corner, Vol 21 Miscellaneous Tales STU UNGAR |
It was this gin rummy match that helped Stuey make a clean break from New York and permanently move to Las Vegas. He moved into the Jockey
Club, with his girlfriend, Madaline Wheeler, and her four year old son, Ritchie. The Jockey Club was the perfect location for Stuey, as it sat right next
door to the Dunes, where all the highest limits were played every day. In the beginning, this all seemed like heaven to Stuey, as his legendary,
bigger-than-life story unfolded over the next 20 years.
Club, with his girlfriend, Madaline Wheeler, and her four year old son, Ritchie. The Jockey Club was the perfect location for Stuey, as it sat right next
door to the Dunes, where all the highest limits were played every day. In the beginning, this all seemed like heaven to Stuey, as his legendary,
bigger-than-life story unfolded over the next 20 years.
Stories about Stuey are legendary, like the time in 1989 when Stuey was running late to get to Caesars for the
final table of Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker. Here was Stuey speeding down Hwy. 15, and as he took an
exit he crashed into another vehicle in his Jaguar. The car he ran into, of course, was a police car. Always hyper,
Stuey got out of his car to explain why he was trying to get to the poker tournament in such a hurry. Incredibly,
the police officer recognized him, and as it turned out, he was a big fan of Stuey's. In 1989, Stuey had already
won the 1980 and 1981 WSOP Main Event, plus two Super Bowls of Poker… he was like a living poker
final table of Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker. Here was Stuey speeding down Hwy. 15, and as he took an
exit he crashed into another vehicle in his Jaguar. The car he ran into, of course, was a police car. Always hyper,
Stuey got out of his car to explain why he was trying to get to the poker tournament in such a hurry. Incredibly,
the police officer recognized him, and as it turned out, he was a big fan of Stuey's. In 1989, Stuey had already
won the 1980 and 1981 WSOP Main Event, plus two Super Bowls of Poker… he was like a living poker
legend, who was on his way to try and win his third Super Bowl of Poker. The officer decided to let Stuey off, without even a warning ticket, as most
of the damage was to Stuey's Jaguar. Stuey was lucky in the sense that another policeman might not have been so amused. He might very well pull his
handcuffs out, explaining that they love to play cards down at Clark County jail. Stuey did arrive a little late, but unfazed, and amazingly went on to win
his third Super Bowl of Poker that day.
of the damage was to Stuey's Jaguar. Stuey was lucky in the sense that another policeman might not have been so amused. He might very well pull his
handcuffs out, explaining that they love to play cards down at Clark County jail. Stuey did arrive a little late, but unfazed, and amazingly went on to win
his third Super Bowl of Poker that day.
