Doyle Brunson Blog

If you want something to get your attention early in the morning, try getting a call from your dermatologist saying “Come back in, we’ve found a melanoma on your left arm.” After what I went though 48 years ago with a melanoma, I was instantly awake and calling M.D. Anderson cancer hospital in Houston, Texas. It took 4 days to get my appointment with the head of the melanoma department but I never considered going anywhere else.

After arriving in Houston I drove to the medical center to see if things were as remembered it. I was astounded to see blocks and blocks of medical buildings and the hospital I had my first surgery in 48 years ago was completely gone. I was glad because I remember thinking that building had looked like a giant headstone in a graveyard.

After two days of ultrasounds tests, blood work, x rays, etc I went into surgery that lasted three hours. I have an eight inch scar where they excised flesh. I’m afraid Cameron Diaz won’t make anymore movies with me now. The doctors also took three lymph nodes under my left armpit to determine if the cancer had spread. The doctors confirmed they had removed all of the cancer from my arm but it would take a week to get the biopsy report on the lymph nodes. So, I decided to be optimistic and come back to Vegas after one day rest. I feel reasonable well but awaiting the test results is pretty stressful.

There were thousands of cancer patients in the M.D Anderson Medical Center. I was struck by the attitude and obvious determination of the patients. Even in the more severe cases you could see the resolve to beat this deadly disease. Something like this helps get your priorities straight. Someone caught a two outer at the river against you? Big deal, just be thankful if you have your health.

One pretty neat thing happened in my first examination. A doctor came into the room laughing and said “you came into this hospital almost 50 years ago and had a life expectancy of 3-6 months!” He showed me an old chart from 1962 that said Mr. Brunson’s cancer had disappeared with no explanation. It was a “spontaneous remission”  which we have only seen a few times. That brought back lots of old memories and thank God my “spontaneous remission” happened.

Whoopee! I just got the call from the hospital that the surgery had removed all the cancer from my arm and it hadn’t spread. They said come back in 6 months for a check-up which I’ll certainly do. I ducked one more bullet and I’m grateful again.

Now I have to arrange my poker schedule. I was supposed to play in Poker Stars Big Game but I certainly wasn’t up to it. Now, I am supposed to play the NBC Heads Up Championship the 4th of next month. If I don’t feel good, I’m going to pass on that one also. Winning bracelets and poker tournaments aren’t as important to me as they were a few weeks ago.
Thank you God!

-DB

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If you remember that bet I had with Mack Rawden. A newsletter publisher, the bet was settled to this week. Mack published a most likely to die in 2010 list and I was on his list. I called him, laid him 10-1 for a $1,000 I would make it to 2011. Obviously, I won the bet and he sent a check to Jen Harman’s no Kill animal shelter. Thanks Mack, I’m glad I won.

I’ve heard of identity theft and I do not know if this qualifies but someone got my account number at my bank. They proceeded to write 135 checks in a little over a month for thousands of dollars. Pretty scary stuff, my private banker  said that was the most fraud he had even seen on one account, You should never keep very much money in your checking account.

When I came back from Costa Rica last week I noticed my passport was about to expire, I called the number in Los Angeles and the lady told me I had to absolutely come to L.A to renew it. I thought that was strange so I went to the internet and found a site that will renew it by mail. I don’t know why the woman told me I had to come to LA but I suppose I should try to contact her supervisor. That is a brutal mistake to make.

I didn’t realize that my saying I might move to CA because there was more poker there would cause so much talk. My move was pure speculation and probably won’t happen, I was just thinking. My life has been full of poker for over 50 years and I still enjoy the competition. I don’t feel like sitting in a rocker out by the pool waiting for the Grim Reaper to come knock on my door. It seems to me that when people completely retire they die much quicker than someone who still has goals and interest in life. I’m planning on winning more bracelets in the WSOP and perhaps winning a few more tournaments besides that. I know, I’m at least going to keep trying.

The Billy Walters segment about gambling on 60 Minutes is getting a lot of press. I watched it and laughed all the way though it, Billy lived 4 doors down from me and was Chip Reese’s next door neighbor on the Las Vegas Country Club in the early 80’s. The segment was very good and made Billy look very rich and successful, which he is today. But back in the 80’s times were tough for all gamblers and Billy was no exception. 60 Minutes talked about the good times and didn’t mention the bad, I’ll never forget when the police raided his house, put his sweet wife Susan in handcuffs and leg irons, and took them both to jail. I’ve got to give Billy credit he took sport betting to another level and left the tough times behind him.

I read on the internet about a bunch of youngsters that stole a vase with the ashes of a dead man inside. They took the vase to a nightclub and snorted the ashes as if it was cocaine. That may be the sickest thing I have ever heard.

DB-

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Finally got back from Costa Rica a few days ago. Every time I visit that country, I am more and more impressed. Just the sheer beauty is enough to make the trip worthwhile but the more modern parts make it even better. The shops are nice and the food is on a par with most major cities. Factor in the beach is a short distance from San Jose and the fishing is terrific makes it a good destination.

Las Vegas is becoming more and more a not very desirable place for a poker pro to live. There are simply isn’t very many high limit games anywhere. What’s with the economy, the world wide tournaments, and the internet poker, the outlook for live cash games are bleak. Poker is on the verge of making a very significant change and in my opinion very bad change.

I’m considering moving to California; at least there are a few mid level games that are played regularly.  I am glad the college bowl games are over. This is the 1^st year in a long time where the favorite covered the spread. I guess the line makers finally figured out that the underdogs had been winning the side for a long time, now maybe the guys that make the numbers will notice that a big percentage of the N.F.L games are going  over the projected total points scored each game.

I made a very large bet on who would win the Super Bowl; I had Indy, New Orleans and New England. My opponent had N.Y Giants, Pitt and N.Y Jets.  I really liked my bet and they the Saints and Colts both got  knocked out in the 1^st round and now the Jets are leading the Pats as I write this. Gulp!

I’ve had lots of personal problems the last couple of months and I hope 2011 is going to change things. I’m still in the process of making my New year resolutions. Anyway a belated Happy New year to Everyone.

-DB

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The WPT tournament is over with Antonio Esfandiari coming out on top. He played well the entire tournament and is a worthy champion. I made it to the last two tables but was completely card dead the last day. Oh well, I played harder than I have in a long time.

I got a nice compliment on the Brunson 10 from Jeff Schulman from Card Player. We were in valet picking our cars after the second day and he asked “where did you get those kids? They are really good.”  I’ve got to agree with Jeff, they are all great players and on top of that they are great guys. They have totally impressed me!

After I busted out of the Tournament I went to the cash games in  Bobby’s Room and played 11 more hours. The dealer asked me how and why do I still play like that. The answer is simply, I love poker and I hope to play until I pass on. I try to slow down and can’t seems like I have just one speed, fast forwards.

The internet poker bill is getting lots of attention. After the Las Vegas Sun reported Harry Reid told them the bill was dead, it has resurfaced and is going to be voted on shortly. A big sticky point is the 15 month ban on anyone who takes U.S. players won’t be granted a license. We will have to wait and see but at least it raises awareness of the possibility of regulated internet poker.

-DB

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It is hard to get back in the swing of thing after the death of my only sister, Lavada Hale. Lavada was 79 years old and had lost her eyesight due to glaucoma and related eye diseases. She couldn’t stand the thought of living out her years in a world of darkness so she took her own life. She was such a strong person all her life and I never dreamed she was so depressed she could commit suicide. It was a tough time for our family but we are a tough family and I was proud of everybody the way they handled this tragedy. Thanks to everyone for their calls, tweets and prayers. RIP Lavada.

Pam, Todd and Anjela and myself were in Punta Cana when we got the news. We were having a great time in a great resort. What a big place, over 130 acres of 2,800 rooms, 13 swimming pools, eight restaurants and 10 or 12 bars. It was an all inclusive resort and there were lots of poker players there including Hoyt Corkins and five members of the Brunson 10. The tournament had 200 entries and should be a major tournament next year.

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I’m glad it’s over. I always overeat and feel miserable. The family was together and that was good because we are still hurting and it was nice to have everyone’s support. Every Thanksgiving I remember what Benny Binion used to say “I’m thankful Chili’s a dime a bowl and I love Chili.”

The Doyle Brunson WPT Poker event is starting at the Bellagio and I guess I’ll start playing poker this next week. It seems I feel better when I stay busy so I’ll give it my best shot.

I keep hearing that internet poker is the favorite to get legalization this year. If so, the government has lots of work to do on regulations, etc but I feel it would be a good move. Lots of taxes for a hurting USA.

-DB

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It is hard to get back in the swing of thing after the death of my only sister, Lavada Hale. Lavada was 79 years old and had lost her eyesight due to glaucoma and related eye diseases. She couldn’t stand the thought of living out her years in a world of darkness so she took her own life. She was such a strong person all her life and I never dreamed she was so depressed she could commit suicide. It was a tough time for our family but we are a tough family and I was proud of everybody the way they handled this tragedy. Thanks to everyone for their calls, tweets and prayers. RIP Lavada.

Pam, Todd and Anjela and myself were in Punta Cana when we got the news. We were having a great time in a great resort. What a big place, over 130 acres of 2,800 rooms, 13 swimming pools, eight restaurants and 10 or 12 bars. It was an all inclusive resort and there were lots of poker players there including Hoyt Corkins and five members of the Brunson 10. The tournament had 200 entries and should be a major tournament next year.

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I’m glad it’s over. I always overeat and feel miserable. The family was together and that was good because we are still hurting and it was nice to have everyone’s support. Every Thanksgiving I remember what Benny Binion used to say “I’m thankful Chili’s a dime a bowl and I love Chili.”

The Doyle Brunson WPT Poker event is starting at the Bellagio and I guess I’ll start playing poker this next week. It seems I feel better when I stay busy so I’ll give it my best shot.

I keep hearing that internet poker is the favorite to get legalization this year. If so, the government has lots of work to do on regulations, etc but I feel it would be a good move. Lots of taxes for a hurting USA.

-DB

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I hope everybody voted this last week. As expected, the Republicans won the House of Representatives and did major damage to the Democrats’ hopes. Harry Reid won his senate seat and I’m not sure how I feel about it. Harry was personally responsible for me getting my gaming license 40 years ago when he was the head of the Gaming Commission so I feel an obligation toward him. On the other hand, except that he is supposedly pro poker, I’m a little disappointed in his past of approving some controversial bills.

I can’t believe the tax situation. I know it is our only way to support our nation but as Thomas Jefferson said, “Democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give it to those who won’t work.”

Three more days and I head for Punta Cana for the poker tournament DoylesRoom is hoping to sponsor next year. The Dominican Republic is under heavy rains and windy right now from the hurricanes but the weather should clear up before we get there. It should be a fun trip with Gambling 911’s Jenny Woo throwing a party. She is a legend among party goers and I’m almost afraid to go at my age. Fortunately, my daughter Pam and daughter-in-law Anjela will be along to supervise things.

My son Todd just lost his last blue heeler from his original five. The Brunson family are all pet owners and we love them so I really hurt for him. On the other hand, his dog Stoli had a nice life and between co-ownership with Jennifer Harmon was really well cared for. Stoli was the dog Jennifer offered to give Todd $100,000 if he would let her have Stoli when their relationship dissolved. Todd told her she could add a zero and the answer would still be no. That is a lot of love for a dog!

The WSOP final table is underway and will be widely viewed by ESPN viewers. I’ve gotta pull for the Grinder as he is the only one that might join us in some cash side games.

I’m introducing Eric Seidel Monday night at the Poker Hall of Fame banquet. Eric is being inducted along with Dan Harrington and both are worthy of the honor. My pal Barry Greenstein will be next if I have any say so about it.

-DB

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There is so much about life that we know nothing about. ESP, karma, spirits, 6th sense, etc. My son Todd had a 15 year old blue heeler named Yager that died a few nights ago from cancer. He was a great dog who would look very scary but was actually a devoted, sweet animal. Todd and Jennifer Harman were an item for 5 years and lived together. They had 4 blue heelers with Yager being the 1st one. When they broke up they had a comical legal battle about who got to take the dogs. Todd hired David Chesnoff and Jennifer hired Richard Wright. David and Richard happened to be the two leading criminal lawyers in the world. I can remember David laughingly telling Richard, “I won’t tell anyone about this if you won’t.”

Anyway, they reached an agreement to share custody of the dogs which they have done now for 10 years. Jennifer had all the dogs except Yager the night he died at 2:00 a.m. Jennifer said at exactly 2:00 a.m. her dogs started howling and she couldn’t stop them for 20 minutes. Coincidence? I don’t think so. My friend from high school died last year and he had a 10 year old Bulldog who died the next day from no apparent reason. Anjela, Todd’s wife, had a dream in the early morning the day Yager died with some girl she couldn’t recognize telling her of his death. Some things defy logical explanations. R.I.P. Yager.

Congratulations to Erik Seidel and Dan Harrington for their upcoming induction into the Poker Hall of Fame. I was sure Erik would be one of the new members and I have no problem with “Action Dan” being the other. I voted for Erik and Barry Greenstein because I couldn’t remember Dan playing in any big cash games, but everyone tells me he played in New York and California, so he does meet the criteria. Barry will be one of the inductees next year for sure. I would like to see Mike Caro, David Sklansky, Bobby Hoff, Eric Drache and Abe Mosseri on the ballot next year along with some of the nominees from this year.

Speaking of the Hall of Fame, my hat goes off to Phil Ivey who announced he wouldn’t accept the award if he was voted into the Hall. Phil said he didn’t want to be voted in until he was older than Chip Reese was when he was inducted as the youngest player ever. Chip was 43 and what a tribute to him from Phil. There is no doubt that Phil was the best player on this year’s list of nominees but that doesn’t mean he should go in yet. It also should show the committee they should have an age limit for the nominees.

We have lowered the limits in Bobby’s Room to 1k-2k and we have been having full games with waiting lists. I’ve been saying for a long time we should do these smaller limits because of the economy. I’m willing to play even smaller, I just want to have games every day. If one or two players would help start these games along with Eli Elezra and me, we can play almost every day.

Everybody knows I’m a dyed in the wool western movie fan. I’ve got almost all of the favorites for the last 15 years on DVDs. Now I found a place on the net called oldies.com where they have all the western movies restored and in color. They are very reasonably priced from 3-10 dollars each. I bought 400 more western DVDs and I’m going to watch them all.

I don’t know what to think about this weather. It is still thundering, lightning and raining after a 24 hour electrical storm. I’ve been in Vegas since 1973 and I’ve never seen anything like it. The lightning is spectacular but I’m afraid it is dangerous and might cause some major damage. Las Vegas don’t need any more problems right now. Internet poker

-DB

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Punta Cana. Even the name sounds like a fun place. Punta Cana is in the Caribbean on the Dominican Republic and is the place of a $1,000 poker tournament Nov. 10th through the 14th. The tournament is a sideline of the trip, but it will be a nice event. They tell me the nightlife is the best anywhere and I know for sure there is going to be great action in the side games. So if you can fit it into your schedule, come and have a great time. My entire family is going and while I’m not much for the beach, I understand it is one of the premier spots in the world. The event is being held at the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana and is the equal of any of the Vegas hotels.

The Festa al Lago Classic poker tournament is underway at the Bellagio and for the first time in a long time, I’m excited and ready to play. The main event starts Friday and a big turnout is expected. These tournaments never seem to end. If you want to travel, there is a tournament every week somewhere in the world. They are ok, but it’s not good for the cash games. Poker tournaments

All of the family are back from Montana and it’s good to be home. I had fallen behind about what has been going on at DoylesRoom and our team was all excited about the new loyalty program they launched. I’m not too familiar with it yet but I understand a grinder can cash in an extra $3,000 in cash a month. That’s the highest return on the net using “Brunson Bucks.” Try it out.

October has been a bad month for my pals in the poker world. After losing Pete Popovich, the floor supervisor at the Bellagio poker room, I got a call Bobby Hoff is in the ICU in L.A. He evidently fell and hit his head causing blood on the brain. Bobby is one of the few remaining player from the old “Texas Circuit”, the press writes about. I know Bobby is one tough guy and I’m hoping he makes it through this.

-DB

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I’ve been neglecting my blog lately because of vacation and traveling. I’ll try to do better and I now feel like a new man. The truth of the matter is I loved my time in Montana and I plan on spending more time there each year. I also traveled to Abilene, Texas for my 60 year high school reunion. Over 75% of the living members showed up from all across the nation. We recalled a lot of old memories. That trip was ruined by the news that Pete Popovich died having a heart procedure. Pete was one of the good guys and will be missed.

It’s going to be time to induct two more members in the Poker Hall of Fame next month. I’m primarily a cash game player and perhaps I put too much emphasis on the cash games but I don’t see how it can’t be the most important landmark. I consider all of the nominees to be friends and for what it’s worth, here are my thoughts.

The criteria for being in the hall are simple. (a) A player must have played against top competition. (b) Player for high stakes. (c) Played consistently well, gaining the respect of their peers. (d) Stood the test of time. (e) Contributed to the overall growth and success to the poker games.

The nominees in alphabetical order are:

(1) Chris Ferguson. Chris is a worthy candidate even though he doesn’t meet (a) and (b) of the criteria. Even though he hasn’t played much outside tournaments, he is so strong in the other three he has to be considered. Probably not yet though.

(2) Barry Greenstein..You can’t find a criteria Barry doesn’t meet. If not this year, next year for sure.

(3) Jennifer Harman-Traniello..Jen also meets all the requirements. I’ve always considered her to be the all-time best female player. However, her sex doesn’t matter here and she will probably need a few more years before she goes in.

(4) Dan Harrington…My only problem with Dan is I don’t remember him playing in any high-limit cash games. Well respected however.

(5) Phil Ivey….Who?

(6) Linda Johnson…Aptly known as the First Lady of Poker. Loved by everyone but probably isn’t a strong candidate this year.

(7) Tom McEvoy…Tom’s name keeps getting on the ballot every year so that means he is a strong candidate. While he didn’t play in the real high stake cash games, he paid his dues in the mid stake games.

(8) Daniel Negreanu. It’s only a matter of time for Daniel. He meets the criteria but probably is going to have to wait until he is a little older.

(9) Scotty Nguyen…Scotty needs to live up to his nickname, “The Prince of Poker” He meets all 5 criteria but is going to have to wait until his behavior in his $50K win in the Horse tournament fades from people’s memory.

(10) Erik Seidel…I gave almost all of my votes to Erik. Most people don’t remember his cash game play but he was in all of the games in his early career. He meets all the requirements and his exemplary conduct deserves a special accolade. He reminds me of Chip Reese.

So who is it going to be? If Seidel isn’t one of the inductees, I’ll be very surprised. I think the 2nd will be Greenstein or Ivey. I feel it should be Barry but if Phil is the one, I’ll have no objection even though I feel he should wait until he is older.

-DB

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