(Video found by Bill Rini)

David "Chip" Reese has been regarded as one of the best poker players ever for decades. Many recent or passive fans of poker may do a double take and say "Who??!?!". But, to those of us who read the 2+2 message boards, play online daily, or read poker blogs know the man to be not only one of the best, but perhaps its finest ambassador. He personified how a poker player should carry him/herself. Not being upset after a beat, looking for way to improve the bankroll, and seeking long term success over a splash win at a tourney, those are attributes of a great player.

After listening to Barry Greenstein's audioblog about Chip, you could tell that even the fierce and costly competitions in the cash ring games, he had the deepest respect for his fallen opponent. Chip did get cajoled into participating in the World Series of Poker, which most poker players consider the place to win prestige according to the number of bracelets on your wrist. While the number of bracelets he won (3), it's the tournament which gave him the third bracelet that will stand out, as he took down the first $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. tourney at the 2006 WSOP. The buy-in separated the men from the boys (or women from the girls) as the sizable buy-in and game format, shut out those who have made their money from two card poker.

At age 56 it seemed Chip accomplished what many poker players dream of: a large bankroll and the ability to balance it with family time and friends.

Links below are also from Bill Rini for more memorials to this great player:

Poker Legend David 'Chip' Reese Dead at 56 by Amy Calistri
Chip Reese Dead at Age 56 by Lou Krieger
The Bear Blog (see above link) - Audioblog by Barry Greenstein
T.J. Cloutier: Chip Reese Was The Greatest via WickedChops
RIP Chip Todd and Doyle Brunson
RIP Chip Gus Hansen (2nd post down)