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Despite the fact that Stu Unger is more well known for his poker accomplishments, Ungar regarded himself as a better gin rummy player. Stu Unger biography, useful external links and photos.
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Stu Unger
Nickname: "The Kid"
Date of Birth: 8th September, 1953 - 22nd November, 1998
Biography
Ungar was originally a champion gin player. When he was 10 years old in 1963 he won a local tournament, and by 1967 he was
regarded as one of the best players in New York.
Stu Unger dropped out of school in 1968 to play gin rummy full time and began winning tournaments earning him $10,000 or
more.
Ungar was a genius with an eidetic memory, and could easily keep track of every card in a six-deck shoe.
In 1977 Stu Unger was bet $100,000 by Bob Stupak, an owner and designer of casinos, that he could not count down the last
three decks in a six-deck shoe. Ungar won the bet.
His skill and reputation were so good that he was frequently barred from playing in casinos. He was virtually unable to
play blackjack in Las Vegas.
His Final Years
In 1997, Ungar was deeply in debt, but received the $10,000 buy-in from close friend and poker pro Billy Baxter.
Stu Unger clearly showed physical damage from his years of addiction, most notably to his nasal membranes. However, he
showed that his mental capacities were still present.
After his win, which was taped for future broadcast by ESPN, he showed the picture of his daughter to the camera, and
dedicated his win to her. He and Baxter split the $1 million first prize 50-50.
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