Tribute to a poker legend - Chip Reese

As 2007 draws to a close, I would like to remember a true poker legend. On Dec. 11, Chip Reese passed away at the age of 56, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

After arriving in Las Vegas in the early 1970s, Reese never left and became one of the most successful cash-game players of all time. Revered by all players, Reese posssessed an even temperment that was almost as legendary as his spectacular play.

In addition to his cash-game prowess, Reese was also a talented tournament player, especially in mixed games such as H.O.R.S.E. (which stands for Hold’ em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Eight or better). In 2006, he cemented his legacy by winning the World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in the inaugural $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. World Championship. Outlasting 141 players, Reese and poker professional Andy Bloch went heads-up in an epic battle. Lasting more than seven hours, their marathon set a record for the longest WSOP heads-up battle.

After nearly four and half hours, the following hand almost ended Reese’s bid for the title. With blinds at 25,000 and 50,000, antes 5,000, Bloch had 6.1 million chips to Reese’s 1 million. Holding Ks-Js, Bloch pushed all-in. However, Reese looked down to see a more impressive As-10d and decided to call. Risking his tournament life, Reese was at least pleased to be a slight 56:43 favorite pre-flop.
However, the dealer revealed Kd-Jd-9d, giving Bloch two pair. But Reese’s hopes of winning the hand were far from over, as he had numerous outs including flush and straight draws. Overall, these three cards had flip-flopped the odds, making Reese now a 45:55 underdog.

The turn delivered one of these desperately needed outs - the Ad. Having turned the flush, Reese was once again the favorite, this time by an overwhelming 91:9 margin. If he was able to avoid four outs (two remaining kings and two remaining jacks), this historic match would continue. When the dealer flipped over the harmless Ah, Reese pulled in more than 2 million chips. With this hand, Reese clawed back into the hunt. Three hours later, he was crowned the victor in the inaugural $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. World Championship.

In honor of Reese, the WSOP bestowed an unprecedented honor for this legendary player. In a recent press release, Jeffrey Pollack, commissioner of the WSOP, announced, “As a tribute to this great player who embodied the very best of our game, next year’s (2008) $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. World Championship will be played in Chip’s honor and memory. And the winner will receive the David ‘Chip’ Reese Award, as well as a WSOP bracelet, to commemorate his achievement.”

What a perfect way for Chip Reese’s legacy to live on forever!

News Added: 30 December, 2007

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