Poker star dies at 56
5th December, 2007
Poker player David "Chip" Reese, who won three World Series of Poker championships, has died in his Las Vegas home.
The card game enthusiast was said to have died of pneumonia and was discovered by his son.
Poker players from across the US have been paying tribute to Reese, including his friend and fellow poker star Doyle Brunson.
He told the Associated Press: "I knew him for 35 years, I never saw him get mad or raise his voice.
"He had the most even disposition of anyone I've ever met. He's certainly the best poker player that ever lived."
Poker pro Mike Sexton told PokerNews.com: "Chip Reese was probably the most successful poker player in history."
Reese's poker career kicked off after he decided to give up a place at Stanford Business School to play professionally – having landed himself $40,000 (£20,000) in a Las Vegas tournament.
In all, the card star pocketed $2.9 million in live tournaments during his lifetime and was honoured with a place in the Poker Hall of Fame in 1991 – at the time becoming the youngest living player to do so.
