Biography
Jack "Treetop" Straus was an American professional poker player who won the 1982 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event and pulled the best bluffs in poker history.
Background
Jack Straus was born on June 16, 1930 in Texas. He attended Texas A&M before starting his poker career. He travelled across Texas and Oklahoma to play.
On 17th August 1988, Straus died of an aortic aneurysm while playing in a high-stakes poker game at the Bicycle Casino. Later that year, he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.
Jack Straus Poker Career
Jack Straus started playing poker in the early 1970s. He finished fourth in the 1972 Poker Main Event, and the following year, he won his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet. He played in the $3,000 Deuce to Seven Draw event and won $16,500 along with the bracelet.
In 1982, he won the WSOP Main Event, taking $520,000 and his second bracelet home. He also appeared in the final tables of the 1972, 1973, and 1982 Main Events and became a member of the Elite group.
1982 "A Chip and a Chair"
Jack was down to one chip in the 1982 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event and was almost eliminated. Since he had officially not declared All-in, he was allowed to play. He then made an incredible comeback and eventually won the tournament. This event inspired the famous saying, a chip and a chair, meaning as long as you have one chip left, you still have a chance to win.
The Famous Bluff
While playing High-Stakes Texas Holdem, Straus had 7-2, the worst starting hand, but he decided to play. The Flop gave him a small pair (seven), and his opponent made a big raise, suggesting he had a more substantial hand. Straus continued playing and called the raise.
Straus's card remained the same on the Turn, but he bet big again, and his opponent hesitated. Straus made an offer: for $25, his opponent could see one of his cards. The opponents paid, and Jack revealed 2. Thinking Straus might have two 2s, which make a Full House, his opponent Folded his better hand, and Straus won.
World Series of Poker bracelets
|
Year |
Tournament |
Prize (US$) |
|---|---|---|
|
1973 |
$3,000 Deuce to Seven Draw |
$16,500 |
|
1982 |
$10,000 Championship Event - No Limit Hold'em |
$520,000 |
Jack Straus's Net Worth
Jack Straus has a total live earnings of $830,269.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who’s nickname is Treetop?
Jack Straus was nicknamed TreeTop because he was 6'6.
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