Historical American Poker Players

[Vivalution]

I am doing a term paper for American History trying to prove how poker is a staple of the american lifestyle. I was curious if anyone knew any American icons that either play or played poker. I already have Harry Truman along with some of the famous old west players, but I was hoping for a few more prominent examples.

I would appreciate it if anyone could offer some names or a book that covers poker history.

Thanks,

Viva

[Posty123]

Nixon partially financed his first congressional campaign with his poker winnings.

[Vivalution]

Thanks for the good information, that is exactly what I am looking for. Does anyone else have anything further to offer? It is greatly appreciated.

[JTrout]

You might check the archives for Mason Malmuth Civil War Generals.
I don't recall specifics, but I think Mason had an article on how poker played a part in 1 or more battles.....

[RobertHunter]

You should do some research on General Robert C. Schenck.Maybe not a widely recognized name,but back in his day he was known throughout the world.I think he was born in Ohio around the early 1900's.He is the person who wrote the first book(sorry Doyle)on the game of poker back in the early 1870's.He supposedly used to play with President Grant and General Sherman.He also was a friend of Lincoln.This is about all I can remember about him hope it helps.

[jrz1972]

Scalia and Reinquist.

[capped again]

I think "Thursday Night Poker" has some info. on famous people that played poker. If I remember right they have something about Nixon and his military poker playing and how it was used to finance his first run for office.

[bigwavedave]

The History Channel had a program called “The History of Poker” that covered a lot of presidential poker history. This is some of what I remember.

FDR played Poker in the White House most nights with his cabinet members.

Truman played Poker with journalists for 12 hours a day on the ship, coming back from the Potsdam conference. When he got back to Washington, he had decided to drop a nuclear bomb on Japan.

Truman had a sign on his desk that read “The Buck Stops Here”. The “Buck” was the nickname for the dealer’s button. When it was your turn to deal, you could decide to deal or you could “Pass the Buck”. This is where these terms originate.

Nixon made enough money playing Poker with his fellow servicemen in World War Two to fund his first congressional campaign. Since he was a Quaker, he didn’t play cards until joining the military and he kept his gambling secret from his family.

I could send you a copy of this program. Let me know (bwd777(at)hotmail.com)

On frontier gambling: There is a book called "Knights of the Green Cloth" which I highly recommend. It can be had for under 10 bucks used at Amazon.

[tripdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Scalia and Reinquist.

[/ QUOTE ]

heads up death match?

tripdad