It's in the book, he finished ninth one year, without even showing up for the final day and a half. He was OD'd and he had built enough chips to finish ninth until he was blinded off.

Stephanie, can you contribute to them a better pic of your dad, this one is too grainy!

Re-read the book...awesome job again. Please pass my sentiments on to Nolan and Peter. Notice the stupac story where he had signed a contract and hired someone to follow and protect his investment as I have read in other stories is missing from book, Was that story not true? Look forward to meeting you and others in Atl book signing. Thanks and again very good book.

crack head that caught cards

"Posted by: on Jul 22, 2005 - IP=64.83.225.108 crack head that caught cards"

yeah right he has 4 WSOP bracelets, and won 3 WSOP Main Events, no one can get that lucky. lets see u win 4 WSOP bracelets and 3 of them be the Main Event.

Stephanie, I bought the book "one of a kind" and really love reading it. It´s very fascinating! What strikes me is that it seems very honest, including both good and bad aspects. A suggestion to Stephanie: I´ve read you can´t even play poker. I really suggest you learn holdem (which would take a few minutes) and play the game, for two reasons: 1)You would get a better feeling of what your father accomplished, 2)with the incredible natural talent your father had I´m convinced that if you only got a portion of that talent you could become a good or even great player.

To The Ungar Family, I am sorry about your loss, I never seen him play (just a few highlights on ESPN) but I have read the book. I myself am a player, IT IS very hard the way everything is set up around gambling, There are people always taking Lorcet's to stay up & Xanax's to go down. I dont care what anyone say's, I've been there. Never used any coke/pot etc.. but pill's IS a MAJOR factor in tournament play, maybe not for some people & most wont admit it, but it's truth. Look at other great players in history, All have had drug problems or died from them, Len Bias, Brett Farve, Lawerence Taylor, Michael Irvin.. The list goes on people.. Its about pressure. Im willing to bet over 30% off the 2005 WSOP players have used something, even if it's something as small as a Red Bull energy drink. I am very curious to know about what years Mr. Stu Ungar played in the big events & his place in them, If anyone has a list or knows, could you please email me? Thanks Emmett

Only one man in history captured titles at both the WSOP and the Super Bowl of Poker, and that man was Stu Ungar. And he won them three times each! (From Mike Sexton). Main event WSOP titles 1980-81 (back to back) and 1997 the comeback kid did it again! He had total of 5 WSOP wins and he himself admitted that there may someday be a better tournament poker player (I doubt it personally), however, it is undesputed that he was and will always be the best Gin player the world has ever seen (a very complex and much more subtle game than Poker heads up Stuey was the master. As far as drugs go Lorcet is a pain med (downer, red bull gives you wings, cocaine and meth amphetamine are prbably the hardest drugs to kick.... so if people are using these as much as noted above then they are playing russian rulette and should "read this book carefully". The lesson to be learned is that no matter how good you are and how much you may love your family, your talent, life....money ..anything. If you place drugs in front of them you will lose it all. I agree with Stefanie in that almost every addict I have met (self included) the only thing that can help when medicine, religion and psychiatry have failed...that is a faith in something greater than yourself (a higher power of your choice). The only other options for addicts such as myself are Jails, institutions and death.

red bulls not a drug if it was it would be off the shelf i could buy a four pack of redbull and play online poker 2 days straight but there was a blog on pokerpages that on one of the wsop events a lot of the players were on hard stuff not redbull

180's are even better when i play a tournament at a bricks and mortar casino i mix either with vodka gives me strenght to go all in with 7-2 off suit if i have too

stu was the man, he was the greatest ever. there will never be a better gin player than him

Thank you Stephanie for your comments on this message board, and its great to see that you have done well for yourself. I have recently gotten involved with my church in counseling for drug and alcohol addictions having been there and done that. Have you ever thought about counseling people for what you have been through living with someone with an addiction? Reading your posts I think you would be great at it and it might be something you might want to consider. I have nothing but respect for your father's God given gifts at the poker table and may he rest in peace. God be with you and your family. Sincerely, Stephen

It's funny you mentioned that about counseling because I am going to school to become a Christian couseler. The reason I say "Christian" Couseler is because I know God is the only One that actually healed and changed my life in so many ways. I wouldn't be able to sit across from someone in my office tring to help them knowing that I am leaving out the main ingrediant that truly works. Also, my mom and I have are putting together a website for my dad it's still under construction but you can go on and see what it looks like so far it [url]www.stuartungar.com[/url] I'll keep you all posted on more to come. Takecare!!!!

The website looks great so far!! I am so glad to hear that you are well on your way to becoming a Christian Counseler, I know you will do wonderful work in the years to come. I would love to hear how being a Counseler changes your perspective on life in general as it completely changed my outlook on things and brought me much closer to God. I wish you nothing but the best life has to offer and I look very forward to hearing more on your journey. Keep us posted and God be with you and yours. Stephen.....WGAIP.

Okay, this gets more unbelievable. According to what I have been able to discover, Stu made 6 final tables at the WSOP (4 No-Limit Championships and 2 "other" events"), and the only time he didn't win was because he was too drugged out to play and was blinded out of the tournament? So, in reality, he was 5 FOR 5? 5 times he sats down at a final table at the WSOP, and he won 5 bracelets? If that's true then we're going to see Joe Dimaggio's hitting streak broken before Stu's 5 for 5 is bested.

Stefanie-did you see my question above about the Stupac story I have read where he (or someone) claimed to have signed a contract with your dad and gave him walking around money and he said he was going to your birthday prior to his death in order to shake the guy who was supposed to watch him? I noticed it was not in the book so I suppose it must not have been true? Thanks and I look forward to you visit to Atl please keep me posted. Nice to hear about your counseling education I think you will be great at it. Kent

The best hold em player the game has ever seen. He was incredible.

Supposly it's true about the bodygard story but I honestly don't know. Yes, it is true about the contract with him and Stupac. He agreed to pay off my dad's debt if my dad would let stupac back him and they would split the money. Just to clearify something too... I didn't say " higher power of your choice" because I believe Jesus is the Highest of all Highs. This is what I have come to know in my own life. I just want to make sure people understand exactly what I ment by the comment I made above. Takecare! Talk to you soon.

I just got done watching high roller for like the 10th time and wanted to read some more about the great Stu Ungar. Then I found this site, and well I think its horrible how all you people just sit there and talk trash about him, as if you could ever be as good at poker as he is. Maybe you should read about his big acomplishments and not just the drugs and BS that went with them. Frankly if it wasnt for the drugs and losing all his money countless times and his death nobody would talk about him like they dohe would just be another old timer at the table like Doyle Brunson. What made him so interesting was his non stop gambling on anything and everything.

Thanks Stephanie... I was just curious about why that was not in the book. As far as the comment about "higher power of your choice" I am a christian and have seen many come to know his love. However, for many addicts there have been events (you know my story a little) where those around you that you see as christians either judge or even reject you for a difference in faith. This indifference and lack of unconditional love that Jesus teaches pushes people away. I have found that it is better to be loving and caring and do what I think christ would do "without any judgement or criticism of faith" and allow others to know what I am and who I am. If this helps them connect to what they come to know as christ then all is well? Get it? Many people have a block when it comes to this (self included) when I have a christian take my son away and not let me speak with him.... I know this is just one person...and she claims to have a close walk with christ. But actions speak much louder than words. I just want others to know peace. I wish I could find some. thanks again and you are a special girl. As far as gambling comment about what made your Dad special...what made him special was the stories about all he did for others when he won with the gifts God gave him. The most special gift was a daughter full of his love and charity. For me Gambling, drugs and anything that supposedly made "me" feel good. Did just that but left me empty inside. It was only when I became a nurse and focused on helping others that I was fulfilled truly. peace and love, Kent

Just to let you know my dad felt empty too when he gambled. Thats why no win was ever big enough & no game was ever high enough. It was good for a while but it didn't last because it was a false comfort. I had many conversations with him about this. Don't get me wromg he loved what he did for a living but it didn't fill that emptyness in his heart.This is when I started to talk to him about Jesus and how when you accept him in your life the emptyness is filled. It's like a brand new door is open in your life that you never even knew exsisted until that piont. For those who never experienced this you might really think I am a little WEIRD but until you see it in your own life I guess you won't understand, which is totally understandable. I completely agree with you that actions speak louder that words. I don't like either when some Christian act in ways that contradict things we believe in. That just goes to prove even more how we ALL fall short and sin. Otherwise Jesus didn't have to die on that cross. And if others are judging you that is not your problem(I know it hurts) God is the only one who can judge. He is the only one who knows the motives in our hearts. Kent, I know without a doubt in my mind that if you cast your cares upon him in this situation(which is what he say's to do in situation like this in life) with your son he will come through. Sometimes God does things in life to catch your attention so you will turn to him and depend on him to see the situation through. And somtimes it's just a test to see how strong and if your faith with be shaken during hardtimes. During trials is the only time your faith matures. I don't know if you already knew that but when I came to realize that it gave me alot more motavation to get through those times. I feel it inside you will have your son back in your life. I really do. Just don't lose hope. So many people give up the day before they get their miracle. Wake up thinking "today might me the day that God moves on my exwife heart and decides to let my son in my life again." On my dads website I am going to have a place to write people so I don't have to use this one anymore. Kent, you seem like such a nice guy I can't wait to hear about all the great things God is going to do in your life. God Bless you and you family. Stefanie

Steph I just started reading all of these comments about your dad and some of them are really nice and some people just have no self respect or respect for your dad. I think it takes a lot of courage to read these things and then respond to them as well. People should learn from you. If you dont mind I would really like you to email me on a more daily basis so that I can learn more about your dad from his very own daughter. Not everything but just some of the most interesting things about him and you growing up. Thanks for your time and hope to hear from you.

These people who have been saying bad things on here are cowards at heart, and small minded. I think of that movie the Wizard of Oz, when the Wizard is all tough and loud, till the curtain is pulled away, and he is frightened old guy. It would be great to be able to pull moniter away and see who some of these people are. Wishful dreaming, of course. I know that Stefanie's father would be proud of her for defending him here---although he does not reeally need defending, he had a different life than others, and the good in him outweighed any mistakes he made. I hope that site of him is up soon, and hope it does well

Thanks Stephanie....you probably do not realize just how much God does speak through you and you have given me hope. You will help many people with you christian maturity and faith. Thank you and some day I hope to meet you at a book signing. To hear from a child that has been on the other side of this cruel disease and all you have ovrcome and share so openly and to see your love/faith surely gives me hope and renews my faith. I am going back to church now (has been over six years) as a result of your comments and the book and the ice is melting from my heart. My eyes are opening up again which gives me hope. God bless and you are a very special child of God. Smile, Kent

Stephanie...the miracle is already happening and you are a part of it. I will keep you posted on things that I know will happen if I can walk in faith and maintain hope with Gods help. The site looks good I can't wait. Kent

Its funny listing to all you guys. I bet most of you didnt even care about him until the movie came out. Now that poker is big and shit you all want to get on the band wegon and what not. I bet most of you havent even seen him play lol you guys are funny

this is for the girl who says she is stu's daughter. How can you exspect us to belive u are really his daughter u could be some freakshow or something we dont know. It's kind of hard to belive you are u know

Nick....did you read any of this site prior to your comments. I think if you read the questions and Stephanies specific remarks you will know it is her...especially if you know anything about the Kid. I have been in poker world for over 22 years and have studied not only Stu Unger from his arrival into the poker world but I was an even higher level Gin player than poker ever thought of being. I really don't know if your comments were serious or just meant to be hurtful? Stu Unger was not only the best poker player I have ever seen (and has record to prove it well before TV or popularity of poker) he was and will always be the greatest (uncontested in GIN world by far) Gin player ever. He made sure we would learn a lesson from his life in the book he was preparing tp help others when he passed away to help us avoid his mistakes. I highly recommend the Book "One of A Kind" and that is from someone that has studied this remarkable human being throughout his career even back to his Gin days when he was still with us and when I was a teen ager._

Nick,She is his daughter, and if she was not, why do you care?? Get a life. She is his daughter though. I was wondering myself, I asked someone who would know, they confirmed it.

Just got done finishing the book purchased on 7/28, Mr. Ungar quotes and Nolan Dalla writing was wonderfully written. The best story had to be fliipng the chips on the chair and when Mr. Ungar lost "f%$$ it". By the wayStefanie I wanted to let you know you are hot! trate

hi stefanie, jus wandering if you have any pics u could post on the website of your dad at the 80, 81 wsop as i am too young to remember it.

I first heard Stu's name from a family member of Cowboy Wolford. She talked about how he was the greatest poker player ever, but died tragically from a drug problem...I tried to read every web-site and book entry I could find on him. "One of a Kind" is a wonderful book. I can only imagine what Stuey was like. The ESPN clip said "He went through life like an open razor", that is truly a great way to live. We must forgive Stuey for his weaknesses, and thank him for his great legacy... After reading these postings for sometime, Stef, you sound like a great young lady, I'm sorry for your loss, and thanks for sharing his story....

Stefanie,I just came upon this site. Last weekend I read "One of a Kind". I am haunted by it. I crossed paths with Stu Ungar in many different and odd ways. You should be very proud of a Father who loved you so much. No one is perfect. What you are doing with your life is a tribute to your his. I lost my parents when I was young. Everything I do and accomplish feels like my special team at work. My guess is that you also have a really wonderful Mother. I'm looking at poker info becuase I have a 21 yr. old son who just dropped out of college and moved to Vegas to play poker. He insists that he's going all the way. He might, but it's very hard to be supportive. The beauty is that he only wants my love right now and understands my fears with what he's doing. I'm hoping that your Dad's story is one that will be a beacon for him to stay on the right path. Like many poker players, my son is a math genius. He's also a wonderful young man with a terrific heart. I taught him to follow his passions. I didn't count on this one, but I'm going along with it.Thanks for all your words. They've made this Mom's heart a little lighter. Your father was a treasure. You learned well."He lifts you up and He turns you around and He puts your feet back on higher ground".

Dear Poker Mom, It is so true!! Thank you for the nice things you have said about my parents. Yes, my mother is wonderful! She has always stuck by my side. That's what you sound like with your son. Tell him from me that he could always play poker if that's what he chooses to do but he shouldn't let that genius brain be limited to only to poker. Take Care. Stefanie

Stefanie,Thank you so much. A message from you will go a long way with my son. He calls frequently. I get told that I'm loved, he gets told that he's loved and then he just wants to talk to his Dad. Poker is a real "guy thing". I did have a talk with him before he left about exactly what you said. His talents are G-d given and should not be limited or squandered. I believe he knows that. By stepping aside and not fighting it, he left for Vegas with a clear heart and head. That's the best I could provide and I did. He is supporting himself and making money at something he loves. I hope you see something extra beautiful today. Thanks again, Polly

Hey Stefanie have you gotten an itenerary yet for book tour and Atlanta visit? Looking forward to meeting you and your Mom. Saw the videos of U 2 fom Poker Player Interviews. One thing struck me extra hard... The faith your mother showed in your father and for you. I see the same thing that poker Mom mentions above it makes all the difference in the world to have that. I once read somewhere one of your father's comments. I read where he once said poker is the only job that when you show up everyone is wanting to beat you and leave you in an alley somewhere (something like that?). I love that quote...it is a lot like life... exceptfor the wonderful people God puts in your path who want to see you succeed and have faith in you. That is why I had a hard time with Poker for a living. Like your father no game was big enough and no one will ever admit how good you are no matter how much you win (always you got lucky...which is often meant as an insult versus skill) players always look for a way to get you "on tilt" so your mind doesn't work right. Your Dad understood this well and no matter how good you are no one gives you credit. It is only those that love and believe in us that gives us faith and hope to continue on. Good job Poker Mom and keep up the good work Stefanie. Please let me know whenu guys will be in town and say hello to your Mom 4 me. Thanks again 4 ur faith and maturity in christ. Kent

Kent,Thanks for the kind words. I have raised 7 children, although the one in Vegas is my only biological child. I believe that if you can't love them with every fiber of your being, you should go and figure out how to. I grew up without parents. I learned that nurturing children healed my own wounds. I also realized that I was loved if I can love this deeply. I'll never understand how my son came to the conclusion he did about poker. I just have to trust that he understands it and will explain it someday. I hope he gets his bracelet. Everyone deserves a dream. btw, he does not consider himself a gambler in any way. He bristles at that label. When did you stop playing? Poker Mom

When is that website expected to be up? It looks like it's well done so far.

Poker Mom you sound like a wonderful mother your son is lucky to have you. I still play poker just at a different level. Did you see the movie rounders? I used to call that the story of my life. At an early age I started and sold a company. I was called "gifted" in math as well and was and obtained 2.2 million dollars at age 22yrs old... I decided to live the life of a professional card player after growing up in a bridge playing family and having a love of cards from my mother like Stu Unger. Gin was always my favorite game...however, anythhing qith odds fascinated me andthe thrill of hitting or beating the odds was what made me feel alive "risking it all"... I eventually ended up with drugs as a result of my vegas lifestyle and woke up one day in recovery and broke... I found God again at age 24 (after being born again at 17 which was the greatest time in my life as Stefanie has pointed out above) I found business and personal success with Gods help and turned away which led to a hufe downfall and my parent's were thwere for me all the way. After I got "clean" and stayed clean for 16 yrs at which time I got married...had a son with a christian woman and became a nurse. I continued to pursue my dream of winning a bracelete and played cards regularly but a limits I could control and have made good money over the years...but just never broke through to get to a final table at WSOP... No matter how good you are the odds flip at times and well the cards didn't go my way. I never got back as close to God as I had been and always felt guilty for turning away. I am 42 now and quit playing tpurnament poker about 6 months ago and I have focused on getting back to people that care about me and away from the rush of "winning" and back to the great feeling I got from helping others which is why I wanted to be a nurse. I still play low limit cash and for fun. I am a Intensive Care pediatric nurse and take care of very ill children when they go home from hospital with critical illnesses and this helps me. I got divorced in 2000 and last year my ex wife took my son and moved away (without telling me) and I have only spoke to him a couple times via phone... We were very close and this has been my toughest loss by far. I have been trying to fill the void left in my life by helping others and have always been fascinated by Stu Ungers stoy and stumbled across Stefanie here and she has been a great help to me. I am just trying to get my faith back and put one foot in front of the other right now. I have found there is much more to life than winning. Thanks again for your comments and tell your son I wish him luck (even if he doesn't think he needs it) it can be done. Just ask any Pro Some times it just comes down to a turn of the cards like the flip of a coin I hope it goes his way... with great discipline and the support of a great family. I hope he realizes he is already a winner to have you for a mother. God bless you. Kent

Kent,What you wrote is inspiring and heart breaking at the same time. I hope you find the path that lets you connect with your son again. Always keep trying. I think my son appreciates me more than I ever thought he would. He has a lot of people pulling for him. Thank you for being part of the good luck wishers...and you're right, he doesn't think about the luck. It's all about the learning and polishing and tweaking and reading of the game. He's decided to get an apartment in Vegas. The inexpensive hotels and motels and filled with crack addicts and prostitutes. I know now he's staying in Vegas for a while at least. I guess I'm glad he doesn't want to be with the transient crowd. He said the strongest thing he uses are red bull caffeine drinks when he's in a tournament. He has studied more about poker than anything else. He's also become very disciplined. I can't believe there are actually good things about this!!! Also, I couldn't agree with you more about winning. It can be so empty and it is temporary. There is no greater feeling than making a child smile. THAT is a high. Take care, Polly