Poker legend Chip Reese dies at 56
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Various online poker sources are confirming early morning reports that Chip Reese, a legendary poker player considered by many of his peers to be the best all-around player alive, passed away in his sleep this morning. Reese was 56.
Early reports have not pinpointed a cause of death. Wicked Chops Poker noted that Reese had been recently reporting suffering vague symptoms generally associated with flu or pneumonia. Reese suffered from rheumatic fever as a child, which can cause long-term issues with the heart valves.
UPDATE: There is confirmation of pneumonia as the cause of death listed on Reese’s graduating class website.
The story of Reese’s entry into the world of professional poker has become a bit of a legend. As commonly told: In 1974, Reese was on his way out to California after being accepted into law school at Standford when he made a stop in Las Vegas to play some poker - a stop that lasted over 30 years.
The winner of three World Series of Poker Bracelets, author of the seven card stud section of Doyle Brunson’s Super System, youngest living player inducted into the Hall of Fame (1991), considered by many to be one of the best poker players ever–the loss of David Edward Reese will leave a hole in the poker world.
Discussion of Reese’s passing over at 2+2 here. Wikipedia entry on Reese here.
