Robert Turner

Robert Turner, better known as Chip Burner, is a legendary professional poker player renowned for his contributions to the poker world. He is most famous for introducing Omaha poker to Nevada in 1982 and to California in 1986. Turner created the Legends of Poker for the Bicycle Casino in 1995 and was instrumental in launching Live at the Bike in 2002. 

Among his career highlights are his victory at the 1986 Grand Prix of Poker and his win at the 24th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Over his career, he has earned $2.3 million in total live earnings. Turner also served as a columnist for Gaming Today and is a member of the Senior Poker Hall of Fame.

Robert Turner: Live Tournament Participation

Robert Turner’s first recorded live cash took place in February 1982 at the Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl of Poker in Las Vegas. He secured 2nd place in a $500 No Limit Hold’em event, earning $29,850.

In January 1986, he won in a $500 Limit Omaha event at the Grand Prix of Poker in Las Vegas. He earned $49,875 for his victory.

Moreover, in February 1987, he competed in a $1,000 Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo at the Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl Of Poker in Las Vegas. There, he claimed 1st place and cashed $39,000.

In April 1993, Turner claimed his first WSOP title in a $1,500 Limit Seven Card Stud event during the 24th Annual World Series of Poker. He secured 1st place, winning $103,900 along with a prestigious WSOP bracelet.

In January 2006, he added a WSOP Ring to his achievements by winning the $500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better event at the Grand Casino Tunica in Mississippi, earning $58,960.

Later that year, in August, he participated in the WPT event, The Bicycle Casino Legends of Poker. He finished 25th, cashing $26,620.

In a recent tournament, held in September 2024, Turner participated in The Commerce Hold’em Series in Los Angeles. He placed 6th in the $400 Limit Omaha 8 or Better event, earning $1,060.

How Omaha Poker Was Born

Omaha poker was invented by Robert Turner in the early 1980s when he introduced the game to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The game features players receiving four hole cards instead of the two found in Texas Hold’em, and to create a hand, they must use exactly two of their hole cards along with three of the five community cards.

Initially called “Nugget Hold’em” at the Golden Nugget casino, it eventually became known as Omaha, possibly due to a regular player from the city. Turner’s invention significantly impacted the poker scene, leading to the creation of various tournaments, including the Legends of Poker series.