David Reese

David Reese (1951-2007), known simply as “Chip,” was an American professional poker player from Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born on March 28th, 1951, in Centerville, Ohio, and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. Throughout his career, Reese won just shy of $4 million in tournament earnings, with his largest single cash amounting to $1,784,640. He earned three WSOP bracelets during his lifetime: the first during the 8th WSOP in May 1975, the second during the 13th WSOP in May 1982, and the third in July 2006 at the 37th WSOP, all held in Las Vegas.

By the late 1970s, Reese was regarded as one of the best seven-card stud players in the world, and he contributed to Doyle Brunson’s influential literary work, “Super/System.” His contributions to the game were recognized in 1991 when, at the age of 40, he became the youngest member to be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.

Tragically, Reese passed away in his sleep at his home on December 4th, 2007. Although he had been suffering from a mild case of pneumonia, the exact cause of death remains unknown. In his memory, the “David ‘Chip’ Reese Memorial Trophy” was established, honoring his legacy and impact on the poker community.

David Reese: Early Life

David Edward Reese was born on March 28th, 1951, in Centerville, Ohio, and grew up in Dayton. As a child, he enjoyed playing poker with his friends for baseball cards. When his mother discovered he was playing with older fifth-graders at just six years old, she thought it would teach him a valuable lesson. Instead, Chip quickly learned how to win, and before long, he had collected every baseball card on the block.

During his first year of elementary school, Chip contracted rheumatic fever, which kept him home for most of the year. His mother stayed with him, teaching him various board and card games. In high school, he continued to play poker while also excelling in football and on the debate team, where he won an Ohio State Championship and advanced to the National Finals.

After high school, Chip attended Dartmouth College, turning down an offer from Harvard University. At Dartmouth, he won many poker games against fellow students and even some professors. While he didn’t achieve the football stardom he had hoped for, his fraternity honored him by naming their game room the “David E. Reese Memorial Card Room.”

From Law Books to Poker Tables: Chip’s Unexpected Journey

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1973, Chip was accepted into the Stanford University Law Program, intending to become a lawyer. However, he never made it to Stanford. Instead, he arrived in Las Vegas with just $400, which he quickly lost playing blackjack. A friend helped him find a job selling raw land with his father’s company, which provided him with enough income to get by. He then began playing $5/$10 seven-card stud, his favorite game.

Chip eventually became the card room manager at the Dunes Casino and, in the 1980s, was a key player in the Computer Group, a team of sports bettors who used computers and mathematics to make informed bets. This operation was highly successful, generating millions for its members.

Tributes to “The Chip”

Following David “Chip” Reese’s passing, fellow poker players shared heartfelt tributes on social media, celebrating his talent and character.  The Reese family requested that, in lieu of flowers or other gifts of condolence, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Chip’s honor. Additionally, to commemorate his legacy, the “David ‘Chip’ Reese Memorial Trophy” was inaugurated in 2008, awarded as a prestigious prize for the winner of the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event, which has since evolved into an eight-game mix.

David Reese: Live Tournament Participation

David Reese’s poker career began in May 1977. He participated in a $500 Seven-Card Razz event at the 8th WSOP in Las Vegas. Reese finished in 2nd place and pocketed $3,150.

A year later, in May 1978, Reese secured his first WSOP bracelet. He competed in a $1,000 Seven-Card Stud Split event at the 9th WSOP. Reese placed 1st and won $19,200.

He captured his second WSOP bracelet in May 1982. Playing in a $5,000 Limit 7 Card Stud event at the 13th WSOP, he claimed 1st place and secured $92,500 in prize money.

Fast forward to January 2004, David took part in a $10,000 + $200 Main Event No Limit Hold’em at the Fifth Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open in Tunica. He finished in 4th place and took home $207,304.

In February 2005, he played in the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament in Las Vegas, entering in a $400,000 Grand Final. He finished in 5th place and cashed for $250,000.

The following year, in July 2006, Reese achieved his best live cash by winning his third WSOP bracelet. He played in a $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event at the 37th WSOP in Las Vegas. Reese placed 1st and won a whopping $1,784,640.

Reese’s final tournament participation was in June 2007. He finished 12th in a $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event at the 38th WSOP, earning $41,229. This event occurred shortly before his passing.

Conclusion

David “Chip” Reese was a true poker legend, with three WSOP bracelets and nearly $4 million in earnings to his name. His influence on the game, from his contributions to Doyle Brunson’s “Super System” to his place in the Poker Hall of Fame, continues to inspire players today, and the “David ‘Chip’ Reese Memorial Trophy” stands as a testament to his lasting legacy in the poker community.