Many of you who know me, know I love to play poker and played professionally for a short while. One of the players I admired most, Chip Reese died in his sleep early Tuesday morning. Chip was a poker god, playing in the “Big Game” with other notables such as Doyle Brunson, Barry Greenstein, Johnny Chan and Phil Ivey.

Chip never got the accolades from the public at large that other players received, but Texas Dolly said of Chip that he ” knew him for 35 years, I never saw him get mad or raise his voice. He had the most even disposition of anyone I’ve ever met. He’s certainly the best poker player that ever lived.”

David “Chip” Reese…the poker world is poorer today for his loss.

By Jeff Buechler:

Poker is an avid interest of mine. I’ve played in hundreds of tournaments and 1000’s of cash games in the past 20 years. I had a brief flirtation with online poker, but found the experience wanting.  Then 6 months ago, GWB, signed a law prohibiting online gambling. (never mind that poker is a game of skill, not chance…and is recognized as such in many jurisdictions) Now, Rep. Barney Frank, a Democrat from
Massachusetts and chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, on Thursday introduced a bill that would replace the current broad prohibition with strict regulations, including criminal background checks and financial disclosure, imposed on companies that seek to offer legal Internet gambling.  Enforcement would be provided by the Treasury Dept.This is a much more reasonable position: ensure the legitimacy of the games and prevent minors from playing. Sounds like a winner to me.