Jewish poker professionals

[betgo]

There have been a large number of Jewish professional pokers for atleast 100 years.

There are other groups well represented, such as Texans and Vietnamese.

In addition to the stereotypes about being good with money and taking advantage of people, Jews have a reputation for being good with math and logic.

Also, Jews tend to be involved in occupations where they are in business for themselves, such as doctors, dentists, lawyers, and accountants. Traditionally, they mostly were shop keepers, artisans, or independent professionals. These were traditionally the middle class occupations that were available. They were not unskilled workers or peasants. In Europe, owning land and official positions were closed to anyone who was not in the petty aristocracy, and were generally obtained only through inheritance or connections. There was considerable discrimination against Jews and other ethic groups in this country in organizations at one time.

Poker is something that is doen independently, and traditionally was considered disrespectable, therefore it was open to anyone. Regardless of the how strong the reality of discrimination is now or in recent times, Jews tend to be uncomfortable looking for promotion within organizations and more comfortable doing something where their success is dependent on their own abilities.

Many of the Jewish players today are well educated, but in the early to mid twentieth century most came from blue collar backgrounds, and did not have other opportunities, as was true for many of the Texans and other southern or rural players.

[mshalen]

Why do these threads pop up every few months? Please explain: the religion of some poker players is important because....

[birdytime]

perry friedman
shane schlegler

[Fly]

Scott Fishman
Josh Arieh
David Singer

[Ansky]

I'm amazed that for some people it can be so ambiguous as to what defines a Jew.

Elezra is obviously Jewish (his first name is Eli and his last is Elezra for [censored] sake) and he has a clear Israeli accent. Mizrachi is a very jewish and possibly Israeli name, I was always under the impression that at least his father was Jewish.

It really isn't a hard list to figure out... our names our pretty notably Jewish for the most part.

[andyfox]

Doyle Brunson
Amarillo Slim Preston
Phil Ivey
Johnny Chan

[kevJ]

Bryan Micon lights the menorah.

[Arbitrage]

[ QUOTE ]
many other pros out there are fellow Jews that I wasn't aware of:

Barry Greenstein

[/ QUOTE ]

This blew my [censored] mind.

[nath]

Andy Beal?

[2+2 wannabe]

[ QUOTE ]
Doyle Supersystein
Amarillo Slim Pedostein
Phil Blackenstein
Johnny Asianstein

[/ QUOTE ]