Poker involves various card games which need the incorporation of craftsmanship, a game plan and lots of speculation. The game is believed to have so many origins. Some conceive it originated about a century ago. Other analysts accept that the footprints of the game can be traced to a domino-card match played by a tenth-century Chinese dictator.
The game was modified from three previous similar games which are Poque, Pochen and Primero. It became a favourite activity in Europe due to its use by the American soldiers during the First World War. Over the years, different games have evolved from poker; they include a seven-card stud, five card draw and the latest being Texas Hold’en. The last one was accepted in the World’s series of Poker, the game’s first yearly competition. Let us take a look at the renowned poker players of the 90s
DAN HARRINGTON
The American who nicknamed himself ‘Action Dan’ was born in Massachusetts in 1945. Known for wearing his iconic green Boston Red Sox cap, he has been involved in poker since his university days. This was at Suffolk where he was part of a team of students who estimated the odds in roulette. He also used them in making vast fortunes at the casinos.
The mathematical genius is known as a tight aggressive player whose passion for the game was driven by its financial rewards. He is just one of five players to have won at two main events.The first is a World Series Poker main event and a World Poker Tour event in 1995 and 2007 respectively. His live tournament winnings as at 2014 are estimated at $6,500,000.
DAVID SKLANSKY
The American doubles as a player and author of the game. He was born in New Jersey in 1953 and has written fourteen books. They all centred on blackjack, poker and gambling in general. He is a proud owner of three World Series of Poker bracelets. His live tournament earnings as at 2015 standing at about $1,400,000.
LYLE BERMAN
A father of four who was born in Minnesota in 1941. Berman co-founded Grand Casinos in 1990 with three World Series of Poker bracelets to his name. He’s currently the chairman of the board of World Poker Tour and Pokertek. The 76-year Old was inducted into the Poker hall of fame in 2002. He has won more than $2,500,000 from live tournament earnings. The book All-in reveals everything about Berman’s life.
HENRY ORENSTEIN
Orenstein’s role in the improvement cannot be downplayed. His invention of revealing player’s face-down card to the audience has made the game more interesting. He was the creator of favourite poker TV show called High Stakes Poker. This show existed in every year between 2006 to 2011 except 2008. The 95-year old is also the executive producer of the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament.
His only bracelet came at the 1996 World Series of Poker where he won $5,000 in the seven-card stud category. The Pole was inducted into the Poker Hall of fame in 2008. He has earned more than $200,000 from live poker tournaments as at 2009.