Sweet, sweet memories you gave-a me

You can’t beat the memories you gave-a me

…

With His blessings from above
Serve it generously with love

Not a horrid song choice from the ol’ Deano in Rat Pack Las Vegas days to honor the memory of the man who’s name is on today’s tournament. Today is time for the Chip Reese Memorial Tournament.

Just a year ago he was atop the bragging rights when he took down the first $50K HORSE with style. His story is the stuff of legend. He and his buddy showed up in Vegas with $700 and he never left. His buddy, Danny Robinson, is the one you thought might get an early out. Danny had a drug problem and demons – but got back on track. Chip had a family he could love and did gloriously by all indications. He’d get up from a juicy game to go watch his son pitch.

Chip had an enviable life. Heartfelt eulogies attended his passing. It’d be possible to envy his life. But, when they’re too short that isn’t in the cards. Cards he knew and played them as they fell. When the cards fly today, we can all honor, once again, his memory. Hopefully, those playing will all play like Chip Reese – the dealers would appreciate such a day too.

We all fold the last one sooner or later. There won’t be many that did it with more class.

Nice hand, sir.

Well played!

ADDENDUM:

My first trip to Vegas had me staying at The Dunes. By today’s standards the casino wasn’t huge. Even by the standards of the time, it wasn’t imposing. From the front door you turned left and went down a couple of steps into the table area. When you looked to your right, the back of the room held a raised area surrounded by wrought iron railing. There were a half dozen or so poker table and they were active. On the right side of that area hung a sign: TEXAS HOLD’EM. Another to the left said, STUD. Not sure if there was a third.

This was Chip Reese’s room. I watched from the rail as a bunch of guys played. It looked like a pretty simple game. LOL A whole bunch of years later, I knew better. But, it did draw me to it. It looked fascinating with those community cards. Years passed before I sat down at such a table.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 at 2:21 pm and is filed under Journal, Poker Other. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.