Background
Thomas James Cloutier, better known as T.J. Cloutier, is a successful American professional poker player who has charmed players and critics with his tremendous poker skills and achievements. Several victories and other works have enriched his career. Cloutier was also inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2006 for his outstanding achievements.
Background
T.J. Cloutier was born in Albany, California, on October 13, 1939. In his early years, he was inclined towards athletics. He achieved an athletic scholarship for American football and baseball and also participated in the Rose Bowl in 1959. However, due to his family's economic constraints, he could not pursue his studies and eventually dropped out.
T.J. Cloutier was selected for the service of the United States Army. But after he quit the Army, he played in the Canadian Football League for Toronto and Montreal. His sports career was not smooth and was cut short by an injury.
After T.J. Cloutier quit playing football, he started his own food company but soon closed it, which was unsuccessful. He then decided to move to Texas following the end of his first marriage. In Texas, he worked on oil rigs and played poker on his off days. Soon, he realised that he was more proficient in poker and earning more than his job, so he decided to quit the job and concentrate on poker.
T.J. Cloutier is also being admired for his high-stakes craps sessions.
Poker Tournaments
In the poker world, there would hardly be a player or critic who didn’t know about T.J. Cloutier. Many enthusiastic poker players and his ardent fans would love to call him a legendary poker player. His poker skills were evident, and he was well known for his poker skills, especially for No-Limit and Pot-Limit Hold’em.
T.J. Cloutier holds the record by being the only poker player in the history of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) to win three types of Omaha played at the World Series — Pot Limit High, Limit High, and Limit 8-or-Better High-low split.
In his poker career, Cloutier has won six WSOP bracelets and other titles by participating in various poker games.
With his skills and efficient poker strategy, Cloutier has placed four times in the top five in the WSOP main event, including two second-place finishes in 1985. But eventually, Cloutier lost against Bill Smith.
In 1988, Cloutier finished in 5th place.
In the 2009 World Series of Poker, Cloutier and several other players were unable to participate in the main event because registration was closed on that particular day.
Cloutier is currently ranked second, just behind Phil Hellmuth. However, he is ranked fifth overall for his 55 WSOP cashes.
His participation was not limited to the WSOP; he also played in the World Poker Tour (WPT) events. In the WTP events, he achieved third place in the 2003 Legends of Poker event.
T.J. has been featured in many tournaments, including the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, Ultimate Poker Challenge, Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament and Poker Royale: Battle of the Ages.
He is also known for his massive winnings, which make him a highly accomplished poker player worldwide. As of 2009, T.J. Cloutier’s live tournament winnings exceeded $9,700,000, of which $4,324,186 was won at the WSOP.
WSOP Bracelets Events
|
Year |
Tournament |
Prize |
|---|---|---|
|
1987 |
$1,000 Limit Omaha Hi |
$72,000 |
|
1994 |
$1,500 Limit Omaha 8 or Better |
$135,000 |
|
1994 |
$2,500 Pot Limit Hold'em |
$163,000 |
|
1998 |
$2,500 Pot Limit Omaha Hi |
$136,000 |
|
2004 |
$1,500 Seven Card Razz |
$90,500 |
|
2005 |
$5,000 No Limit Hold'em |
$657,100 |
World Poker Tour
Cloutier has also participated in World Poker Tour (WPT) tournaments. His best performance in WPT was securing third place at the Legends of Poker Event in 2003, which was won by another professional poker player, Mel Judah.
Poker Writings
He has also been associated with many writing works. He co-authored a few books on poker with the popular writer Tom McEvoy, including Championship Tournament Practice Hands, Championship Holdem, Championship Omaha, Championship No-Limit, and Pot Limit Hold'em.
In the year 2006, T.J. Cloutier published another book, ‘How To Win The Championship: Hold'em Strategies For The Final Table,’ which drew excellent responses from poker lovers. The book dealt with tournament strategy, highly focusing on the final few tables.
Cloutier also wrote for Card Player magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many WSOP Bracelets did T.J. Cloutier win in his poker career?
T.J. Cloutier has won six World Series of Poker Bracelets throughout his poker career.
Why is the hand J9 of clubs named after T.J. Cloutier?
The hand J9 of clubs is named after T.J. Cloutier, as he won a big poker tournament using it.
Is a T.J. Cloutier a good poker hand?
A T.J. Cloutier, i.e., a Jack and a 9 of clubs, is not a strong starting hand to play. However, you can play with it if the table dynamics allow it.
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