Gary “Bones” Berland
One of the really memorable names in world poker was Gary “Bones” Berland. This character was well known for his stunning performances while playing poker. No matter where he finished in a game, nobody could doubt that Berland had really given his all.
Before beginning his poker career, Berland attended the University of Nevada but while here, he developed a love for the game that was so strong that he eventually left university in favor of playing poker instead. Berland actually worked as a poker dealer long before he turned professional but he much preferred playing to dealing.
During his career he notched up five World Series of Poker bracelets, the first one coming in 1977 in the $500 Seven-card Razz event. He was back again in 1978 winning two bracelets this time, one in the $500 Seven-card Stud event and another in the $1000 Seven-card Razz event. Gary won another two bracelets again the following year to complete his total of five. The events they were won in 1979 were the $1000 Seven-Card Stud event and the $500 Seven-card Razz event. His estimated earnings from World Series of Poker tournaments were $200,000.
Unfortunately Gary “Bones” Berland’s poker career was cut short when he died from a rare blood disorder in 1986. Even though he had a much shorter career than many other players, his name still stands proudly in the top 20 of all time WSOP bracelet wins. In addition, he is one of only four players to complete the lifetime “Stud Triple Crown”, which means he won a bracelet in each variant of stud poker at the WSOP.
Gary “Bones” Berland will go down in history as one of the great all time players in poker. He managed to accomplish more in his short time playing poker than many others do in a lifetime.
