"Boston" Billy Duarte: Peace

oil doe · #1 10-25-2006, 11:13 AM

One of the great pot-limit specialists and rare East Coast gamblers, Billy Duarte died on Monday of cancer.

Sympathy to his family and friends...

http://www.pokernews.com/news/2006/1...lly-duarte.htm

http://www.legacy.com/Denver/Obituar...sonId=19718318

calmasahinducow · #2 10-25-2006, 11:23 AM

oh man, this guy was cool [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Josh W · #3 10-25-2006, 01:43 PM

I don't know how true, this is, but I've heard it from reputable sources.

A few years ago, Commerce started a 10-20 NL game. At the time, it was the biggest NL game in SoCal (at least in casinos) that went regularly. And, when that game started, Billy's stopped.

See, Billy used to always play at oceans 11 in oceanside. They played a mix game of 10-25 PLO and 25-50 (I think) NLHE. Half hour of one, then half hour of the other. This game went a few times per week.

The interesting thing is that oceans11 didn't want to spread the game, but Billy really wanted it spread. He beat the game for so much that he either (this is where the stories differ) paid the casino to spread it, or he paid the collection for the whole table. That's how much he made in the game.

Of course, when Commerce started spreading NL games, the game in oceanside broke, and the game at commerce grew like wildfire (eventually).

I never had the pleasure of playing with Billy, but I know he had respect that few others will ever receive.

Josh

wins_pot · #4 10-25-2006, 02:23 PM

he was one of the best nlhe and plo players ever. he's owned the biggest live games for a long time. i think he lived in colorado for at least the last decade -- he had a huge family there that he supported entirely through live poker. -ba

shaniac · #5 10-25-2006, 03:50 PM

He was a pleasure to play with and a class act. Had no idea he was dying of cancer. RIP Billy.

I wrote a little about my experience playing with him at Legends of Poker here.

riverboatking · #6 10-25-2006, 09:53 PM

i've played tons with billy and he was just an all around nice guy.
by the time they discovered the cancer he only lasted ~3 weeks.
a real sad story.

Randy Jensen · #7 10-25-2006, 11:52 PM

Bill was a very good friend and mentor to me.I have played cards all my life but in 1991 here in Colorado I stumbled into a private card room and got the hook for poker. It was funny because there was this big guy that mumbled alot with a thick boston accent that no one could understand that took a liking to me. He let me sweat his hands in the 10-25 PLO and dealer choice games and in that way I learned how he played (the proper way)and basically was educated on the game. He was really solid. He knew when to shuck and when to jive. People who have seen us both play cant beleive he taught me to gamble when it came to poker and other games. We were so different in our strategies and playing style. Over all the years of people thinking I was a huge fish he never lost faith in me, that I had talent and could be one of the best. But he has something I am still trying to get a grasp of. He had absolute self control. He wasn't there to be flashy, just to get the money. To win. And he did just that.

Our last talk a couple of days ago he really set me straight. In life he was always the kind that would give you a backhanded lesson. It could be taken as an insult but the truth was always there if you would look for it. I always try to kill the game for everything on the table. I wanted huge wins and ego gratification. Not Bill. He reminded me that I am not playing for myself. I am playing for my wife and kids. It is not about me, its about them. If I am a screwoff, they get hurt. He didn't have a 30K swing every time he sat down at a 10-25 or 50-100 game like me. He asked me why couldnt I just be happy with 4-6K a day. Before this I listened but never really heard. As a tribute I promise Bill, "I hear you now".

IN the book a river runs through it the father is speaking to his surviving son and asks his son what he really knew about is deceased brother and all the brother could say is that he knew he was a fine fisherman. Well Bill was a hard guy to really know and I think the most fitting thing I can say is he was a fine poker player and he will be missed.

Randy Jensen

2win · #8 10-26-2006, 06:17 AM

Billy was a great guy and a truelly nice gentleman. I will personally miss him and he is a true gem to humanitty

jay5280 · #9 10-26-2006, 10:08 AM

Very well said.

RogerD · #10 10-30-2006, 10:38 PM

My dad would be so overwhelmed by all the people who truly cared about him.As his son he mentored me in poker ,taught me and showed me things only thought of in fantasy. At times his humor was dry his demeanor tough.But right up to the last minute he loved the game of poker and all of you who made it so possible for him to live life to its fullest. Thank you all and see you at the tables . GONNA MISS YOU POPS .