Las Vegas Trip Report Part 2

by Nolan Dalla

This page is part of Ken's Poker Page

On 22 Oct 1998 04:10:53 GMT, in rec.gambling.poker nolandalla@aol.com
(NolanDalla) wrote:

So, your hero is really exhausted and is set to have a huge day on Sunday
working with STU UNGAR and MIKE SEXTON on a project.

When you are really tired and desperately need some rest, there are few
sounds more unpleasant than a telephone ringing. I figure it might be
MARIETTA who knows I'm going to try and get a room at the HORSESHOE.
Or maybe MIKE SEXTON. Maybe TONY SHELTON. Who knows.
It's been three weeks since I talked with STUEY and am literally shaken
alive from the dead when STUEY says, "Hey NOLAN, It's STUEY!"

After a bit of discussion, we agree that STUEY and MIKE SEXTON will
come to my room and we'll take things from there. I quickly get up, manage
to shave, and shower and look as presentable as possible for my guests. I
need some breakfast, so I run downstairs and accidentally make a wrong
turn and end up in front of the Sports Book. One number jumps out at me.
The total of 34.5 on the Philadelphia/San Diego game. Now, I don't know
about you people that play totals, but in the NFL football totals are an
average of about 40. A game that figures to be low scoring usually posts a
total of 36 -- 37. When there is snow or very inclement weather, the total may
actually drop to 35 -- 35.5 I don't EVER recall seeing a total of 34.5.
This seems insane! Of course, football people will point out that these
are two terrible offenses and that there may not be many points scored.
But they also have two horrendous defenses. I lay $500 on the OVER and
eat in the coffee shop.

An hour later, there's a tap on the door and it's STU UNGAR and MIKE SEXTON.
First, about MIKE SEXTON. Of all the people in the poker world today --
there is no one out there, bar none, that is doing more for the game right
now than MIKE SEXTON. His "Tournament of Champions" promises to be the
most dynamic thing poker has seen in this decade and may eventually set
the stage for how the world championship of poker is ultimately decided.
I could write a ceaseless essay on the things MIKE SEXTON has done for
poker and for those around him (including me), but I will just leave this
by saying that he is one of my most admired figures in the game.

STU UNGAR looks terrific. He's the best he's looked since his last WSOP
and he's ready to play. I am very lucky that STUEY has decided to work
with me, when he could have worked with anyone he wanted. In respect to
STUEY and the project, I will refrain from comment here in this report
about that subject. I am sure that I could write an incredibly entertaining
episode of what it's like to spend a considerable amount of time with the
GREATEST CARDPLAYER IN HISTORY, that would have everyone
reeling for more. This is a story that sells itself, but you're just going to have
to buy the book. Sorry, but there are only so many secrets I can reveal at
this time and I'm not going to put out a lot of material on this subject. But
let me lay one thing to rest right now. Much of the material that has
appeared in print on this newsgroup is pure bullshit. I'm not going to
betray some of the confidences that were entrusted in me by citing
specific examples, but there's just been an awful lot of nonsense.

Just like SEXTON says, if there is anyone that doubts this man is the best
card player in the world, please give him, or me, a call. This man is
ready to pounce on the ring game action, and I expect we are going to see
the name STU UNGAR at the top of some tournament standings very soon.

SEXTON, UNGAR and myself head over to PUGGY PEARSON's house for what may
have been the most entertaining three hours of my life. I taped the
entire session and could probably market that tape verbatim for a sizable
profit, but I have other intentions. One of the neatest things about
PUGGY is he is a true poet. He may have a third-grade education, but he
speaks with the wisdom of a philosopher. I mean, what this man has inside
his head is pure gold. Sitting in the same room with MIKE SEXTON, PUG
PEARSON and STU UNGAR is enough to really make anyone feel totally
insignificant. I mean, these men are absolute giants. Yet, they were
extremely courteous and forthright and answered every question I posed to
them. We were laughing hysterically at times. They made me feel I
belonged in their circle -- although I certainly don't. About the only
time I can remember being as impressed that I was truly in the presence of
greatness was once when I met and was able to speak with Richard Nixon
(it's a long story). Being with PEARSON, and UNGAR/SEXTON for that matter
is kind of like that. I mean, when these guys start talking about poker,
they are just in outer space, and you are still on a life raft in the middle
of the ocean trying to make sense of it all.

After PUGGY's visit, we head over to the GOLDEN NUGGET Sports Book.
MIKE has action across the board and I arrive just in time to see a final score
flash on the ticker. San Diego and Philadelphia combined for a grand
total of 23 points. Damn. What a horrible play. MINUS $500.

Then, it's off to Tony Roma's Ribs where we talk a bit more.

We head back over to the HORSESHOE, where we find PUGGY sitting in a
$10-20 Omaha game. PUGGY tells STU to sit in for him. The looks on the
faces of the people sitting in the $10-20 game are priceless. Jesus, I wish I
had a camera. Sure, they all knew who he was. STU doesn't do anything fancy,
but it's a pure joy to watch this game and the reactions the players have to this
three-time world champion.

After a while, SEXTON and UNGAR part ways, and I change clothes to go out
on the town for more poker.

More to come, including: A REPORT ON THE BELLAGIO FOUNTAINS.

NOLAN DALLA

Continue to Part 3

Published with the permission of the author.
Reproduction without the author's permission prohibited.

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