Johnny Moss

If poker fans and semi-professional players are asked about the greatest players of all time, a good portion of them will fail to mention Johnny Moss. After all, Moss played and won in a different era.

But phrases like “The King of Poker” and “Champion of Champions” aren’t associated with just any player. Moss has earned these accolades and more with his amazing poker skills, though his appearance belies the fierce competitor inside the man.

Watcher and Rounder

Moss was truly a member of the “old school” of poker. He was born in the town of Marshall, Texas in 1907 and spent much of his time in Dallas. He started to gamble part-time as a youth and was eventually hired by a local saloon to act as a “watcher” over the games to make sure the play was fair. He eventually took to the road, living as a “rounder.” Like Doyle Brunson, Sailor Roberts and others he traveled around the country, paying his way with poker money.

World Series of Poker Main Event

Moss, who died in 1995, won the first World Series of Poker Main Event, though the title was awarded to him by vote of the other players (1970). He proved his skill by winning in the current format the next year and again in 1974. He is a charter member of the Poker Hall of Fame.

A part of Moss’ fame comes from his five-month-long heads-up game against legendary gambler Nick the Greek. Moss reportedly took at least $2 million from that match. Some say the number was closer to $4 million.

His skill at the table covered five different poker styles. He won nine WSOP bracelets in various events. Only Johnny Chan, Doyle Brunson and Phil Hellmuth have taken more WSOP titles.

Moss was close friends with the Binions of Las Vegas casino fame. He is shown in one of the classic Las Vegas photos of all time, standing in front of the Horseshoe Casino with actor Chill Wills, poker pro Amarillo Slim, Jack Binion and professional poker player Puggy Pearson.

Playing your Grandpa?

If the phrase “You can’t tell a book by its cover” fits any poker player it may be Moss. With his balding head and dark-rimmed glasses this great player looked like most people’s idea of a gentle grandfather. But that wasn’t Moss! One of the best stories tells about his game against another player that came down to the point at which Moss had no cash or chips remaining. He turned to his fiancée standing behind him and pulled the expensive ring off her finger to make the bet.

He later said he could read his opponent and knew he had him beat. He won.