Jack Strauss
Tall in stature as well as reputation, Jack Strauss was a legend in the world of professional poker during his lifetime and his incredibly successful career. He died back in August 1988 and is fondly remembered as an expert bluffer, for being the winner of the Poker World Championship in 1982 despite having been down to his last chip at one point during the tournament, and for winning two prized World Series of Poker bracelets.
Jack Strauss
It was in the 1970’s that Strauss first made a name for himself at professional WSOP events. In 1972 he finished fourth in the Main Event. His first bracelet win came in 1973 when he defeated many good players to win the $3K Deuce to Seven Draw event to take home $16.5K. In that tournament he also finished third in the Main Event. His second bracelet came as part of his reward for winning the Main Event at the 1982 World Series of Poker, where he also went away with no less than $520K. The fact that Straus made the final tables regularly over many years in the 70’s and 80’s places him in a very exclusive group of big name players, such as Stu Ungar, Johnny Moss, Doyle Brunson, Dan Harrington and Johnny Chan. His bracelets testify to his class in the game and the wealth of experience he possessed.
Jack Strauss was a legend within poker circles not only for his two WSOP bracelet wins, but for his long history and his prowess in the game. He went down in history for coming back from only a ‘chip ($500) and a chair’ to win the Main Event in 1982. During a game of Texas Hold’Em he was also credited with one of the most outstanding bluffs of all time. At 6’6” he had the nickname ‘Tree Top’ and it’s fair to say that few players have ever risen higher in the game when it comes to reputation.
