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Doyle Brunson, affectionately known as “Texas Dolly,” was an American professional poker player and the undisputed “Godfather of Poker.” A 1988 Poker Hall of Fame inductee, his legendary career spanned over five decades, forever changing the game through his play and his seminal book, Super/System.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings of $6,176,737, Brunson’s stats reflect a career that pre-dates the modern era’s massive prize pools. His career-best live score of $1,198,260 came from his victory at the 2004 WPT Legends of Poker. A ten-time WSOP bracelet winner, he is one of only two players to win the Main Event in back-to-back years (1976 and 1977). Beyond tournaments, he was a dominant force in “The Big Game” at Bobby’s Room, contributing to an estimated poker net worth of over $75 million at the time of his passing in 2023.
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from Longworth, Texas, Brunson was a star athlete whose NBA aspirations were cut short by a severe leg injury. He transitioned to poker, becoming one of the “Texas Rounders” alongside legends like Amarillo Slim and Sailor Roberts, traveling the dangerous underground circuit before settling in Las Vegas. Brunson played in the inaugural WSOP in 1970 and remained a competitive threat into his 80s, famously making a WSOP final table in his final year of play.
Play Style & Strategy
Known for an “aggressive and ahead-of-its-time” play style, Brunson pioneered the “power poker” approach, emphasizing pressure and fold equity. His strategy relied on elite hand reading and psychological dominance, often winning with the famous “10-2” starting hand that now bears his name. While he mastered all variants, his influence on No Limit Hold’em is unparalleled, as his book Super/System provided the first mathematical and tactical roadmap for professional success in the game.
Video Highlights:
The Book Every Serious Poker Player Knows
Super/System, published in 1979 by poker legend Doyle Brunson, is widely considered the most influential, “bible” of poker strategy books. It revolutionized poker by revealing secrets of high-stakes, “power” poker, previously known only to road gamblers, and featured insights on various games from champions like Chip Reese and Mike Caro.
Key Aspects of Super System:
- “Power Poker” Strategy: The core philosophy emphasizes aggressive play, putting maximum pressure on opponents, particularly in No-Limit Hold’em.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers multiple games including No-Limit Hold’em, 7-Card Stud, Draw Poker, and Lowball.
- Expert Collaborators: Brunson assembled a team of top players and theorists, including Bobby Baldwin, David Sklansky, and Joey Hawthorne.
- Impact: It is credited with significantly increasing the skill level of poker players during the 1980s and was a #1 bestseller in its category.
- Sequel: Super System 2 was released later, featuring contributions from modern legends like Daniel Negreanu.
The book is recognized as a must-read for anyone looking to master advanced poker techniques, despite the game’s evolution since its release.
