Over the many years that I have played poker I have met many interesting people at the tables. A few have become friends while others have just been interesting for one reason or another. I’d like to share with you some of my experiences with these people.
Mel Judah is a well-known and highly respected poker tournament professional. An Aussie, at one time he was a top hairdresser and Vidal Sassoon’s top assistant. On numerous occasions over drinks or a meal, Mel has shared with me exceptional insights in poker. I greatly appreciate his generosity.
Alex was a highly respected, very wealthy doctor, who played in a home poker game with me. He was a consistent and big loser in the game. One night I caught him blatantly cheating, but all the other players said it was just an honest mistake. I disagreed strongly, but to no avail. After the game, the host asked me to stay for a few minutes. He confided in me that all the player’s knew that Alex was a compulsive cheater, but they tolerated it because of his big losses. I wondered what Alex’s patients would have thought.
I met Jerry Buhr in Las Vegas in the 1980s. He owns a highly successful palm tree business in Phoenix, Ariz. Over the years, Jerry became a good friend whom I always look forward to seeing at tourneys. His camaraderie and helpful strategy tips, especially in Chinese Poker, where he is a top pro, have always been great. But Jerry and his wife Gail have been generous beyond the bounds of normal friendship. They literally opened their home to me for over a year when I had to go to Phoenix for medical treatment. I will never forget their loving generosity.
