You know about stuff that I just found out about only 2 days ago in regards to my dad's book. Unless it was written about in card player magazine or one of those other magazines and I just don't know about it yet.

please read dutch boyds blog at his website (dutchboyd.com) for the entry 3/11/05...what a loser

Stefanie, know about what stuff?

Nevermind. It's ok, just forget about it.

your dads bracelets, where are they now?

hey Stefanie, rember me? Long time no type. I have to say I saw the movie High ROller, and I tried taking your warnings about it's accuracy into account. I have to say you were absolutly right, as I suspected, it was terrible. Anyway let me know about the book, the title, and the movie. May I suggest John Leguizamo to play your dad? I think he has a remarkable resemblance to your dad, the only problem would be that accent.

Stu was a savant. Not wise and learnt as a scholar, but unconsciously brillant and wise in mathamatical odds and statistics, card sense and reading 'vibes' from others. When right his memory was photographic and instant and his mental ability to access an over all situation and use this recall to act appropriately and creatively was done in the same instant and in parallel. He had a fraction of a second brain, on any thing. Before you finished explaining a card or hand problem he cut you off, told you the answer and if you looked like you didn't grasp it in one second he would walk away already bored. All in one second! It was almost frightening to be with him, frightening in the sense that it made me feel that there is something eerie around and I am apart of it. (which I know is true). His brain was wired differently then 99.9999....% of the rest of us. In my opnion it was similar to the brains of Mozarts' or Leonhard Euler the 18th century Swiss mathematician, who both did calculations instantly, with ease and without apparent thought.Stu applied his phenomenal mental ability from an early age to what later became his expertise, and no one to my knowledge has been close to his ability in gin and combined abilities in gin, back gammond, black jack and no-limit tournament poker. This early 'setting' or 'seeding' of his brain is what happens to the brain of gifted child chess players who have gone on to be brillant chess masters like bobby fischer. To miss the fertile imprinting years from around 5 to 12 is,in general,to preclude that individual from being a world class master! (I don't mean to offend chess players, but you know the point Im making).Stu could be impatient, selfish and volatile yet by far this was out weighed by hiscompassion,kindness, trust and generosity. He like 99% of the rest of us had a self, and self always has contradictions, emotions and conflicts. The back ground and building of that self starts as a child, at an age when imprinting is beyound our control and may, in many cases, leave a disruptive and conflicting self to handle our future. Stu was unreal, and to think he would want to share his life's story with you, his mystifying brillance and accomplishments and self destructive tragedy is an act of the highest unselfishness.Imagine a Prince whos image to the world is that he has every thing, fame, beauty, wealth, controle and power of himself but then confesses to the world that it is not true, knowing he would be throwing it all away!To me this is a supreme act of truth in a moment of compassion to help others who may have the same demons as he. Some nay sayers stress his faults and criticize him, thats your right, but none of the ones who do can ever say he didn't honestly recognize and admitt his weakness and faults to himself and then share it with the WORLD. I think the book 'One of a knid: The Rise and Fall of Stuey "the kid" Ungar, the worlds gretest poker plyer.', will be for millions one of the greatest, most interesting stories of our era. You'll see.Well done stu, even though your gone your still going to bedazzle us all. Well done cous'. Doc Earle

Good post

Stu Unger was truly a poker legend with a brillant memory of cards and people. He would continue to dominate to this day if he didn't choose the wrong path in life. When you dominate what you are good at you feel absolutely fearless and think you nothing can stop you. He should be praised for his style of play and WSOP championships and as for his drug addiction we all make mistakes in life ans Stu lived his life to the fullest. I will be adding a full bio @ [url]http://www.onlinepokerguides.net[/url] Stefanie you father was blessed with a true talent and will always be a poker superstar!

Wow Steph, how cool. I will comment on some of the stuff above I spent the last hour reading. I am a sportswriter in Oregon, sorry about Indiana not making the tourney.I have played poker for about 10 years now, I am 29. I used to be called the kid all the time, and trust me, if you tip the dealers and floormen, they don't check your id if you're under 21, so Stu certainly could have done it.Funny how I am now an older player, though only 29, but it's a great game. I play online a few hours a day, to keep sharp and play tourneys about every two months around Oregon and Washington.Stu's World Series greatness was only challenged by Johhny Chan, as far as I see it. Chan won two in a row, and only Stu has accomplished that feat.Would have been nice to see how Stu did against today's players.I am someone who has struggled with a gambling addiction in the past. Same as Stu's. I could win at poker, then piss it away in the other parts of the casino. I had a bookie, got in trouble, ect... Then would have to "work" for hours playing poker to pay off the debts. It was only through lots of losing and re losing that I learned to play only poker, and quit the other stuff.So I can relate to how Stu could have had a hard time staying away from the other stuff. When poker comes to easy, you want a challenge. Add that to the drug use, and you have Mr. Unger.Steph, keep your head up. A great form of therapy, I agree, to read about your father.You never answered if you still live in Nevada. I am curious too. Have a good one! God Bless.

High Roller DVD with Commentary. I have to admit I still went and bought the DVD. Couldn't help myself. But, with the commentary. The director acts like he knows it all. He also says everything is true he just exadgarated for the movie. He said that stu started gambeling at 11. I thought it was 14? Anyways just curious if you saw the commentary Stefanie and your thoughts about it...

No, I did not see the commentary. And probably never will. I don't want that guy making anymore money off my dad's life or what he seems to think my dads life was. Actually, my dad started gambling at 8 or 9. His facts were so messed up it's not even funny. Anyway, I sound like such a bitter person whenever I talk about this guy or the movie and I am really not like that. It just upsets me that my dads not here to defend himself and I don't want all of you guys to think his life was something that it wasn't. If he was around this movie would of never happened. That's why I am so excited to see his book and hopefully movie come out. Trust me, I just got A copy of the book 2 weeks ago and it's not sugarcoted at all. It's his true life storey (the good and the bad.) But that's how he wanted it. One thing about my dad was he always told it like it was and was very honest. The book is nothing different. Do you guy's think I write too much? I want this to be an open forum and people to feel free to write whatever they want. You guy's are my dad's fans and I don't want to interfere with that. I think the guy above got a little annoyed with me. Take care! Stefanie

a comment regarding this post:Posted by: on Nov 27, 2004 - IP=218.101.97.135whoa, I just been reading some poker articles which talk about Stu playing heads-up holdem. One of them goes like this... It was Mansour Matloubi and Stuey playing $50000 headsup freeze outs. On one hand the flop came 3-3-7 rainbow, Stuey bet and Mansour calledd. Turn was King, both checked, river was Queen. Mansour had pocket 4-5 off suit, and smelled weakness in Stuey when the river came up so he went all-in with his last $30000. Stuey called the bet and turned over his 10-9!!!! There were only three hands that Stu could beat, 4-5, 4-6, 5-6. WHAT AN UNBELIEVEABLE CALL!!!I heard about a similar call where his KQ beat a huge bluff bet with KJ...where neither player made a pair....I think your off though with only three hands he could beat...what about 24, 25, 26.....? and in no way am I minimizing his excellent call...

As Barry Greenstein says on his web site there are alot of stories of some amazing calls by stu ungar.....but not as many stories about his laydowns!!

To Stephanie...I want to take this time to say that your Dad was by far the “GREATEST” card player that ever lived. Most people here can’t seem to respect that only because they are envious or just enjoy bad mouthing someone they don’t know. Regardless of his involvement with drugs and the constant battle he fought he was still the greatest. One should not judge others because they have no right to until they can walk in that person’s shoes. Only your dad knew of his own demons and dealt with them the way he seemed fit too. What really bothers is that the poker world lost an incredible and remarkable card player. Can you imagine if he was alive today how he would completely dominate the field of players in today’s No Limit Hold ‘em games. He would destroy the competition. You dad was a natural…period end of story, which explains why he couldn’t teach you. He played cards like most of breathe. He didn’t have to think…he just knew. Stephanie I am sincerely sorry for the loss of your Dad. You should write book and explain who your Dad really was. I feel it would be a great contribution to the poker world society. I look at players today and very few impress me. There’s a difference between good and great…Stu Unger was great!! Good Luck and I wish you the very best.

Thank you Dan for taking the time to tell me those things. I feel the same as you. I wish he was still alive for many reasons, but I would have loved to see him dominate the poker world now. He would of got a kick out of how huge it is now. It would of got his competive juices flowing. He was so competive with EVERYTHING. I mean everything. I don't think anyone would be intrested in reading a book I wrote. I don't know anything about poker. Isn't that kind of funny! My dads known as the worlds best and I have no clue to the game. Anyway that's how he wanted it so I'll respect him with that even to this day. Stef

Stefanie wana send over a copy this way?

To the guy who said Hellmuth was better than Stu...Stu would send Phil home crying 9 out of 10 times!!

StefYour father just wanted to protect you from the seedy element that surrounded poker and casinos and backroom games. It was one bet he didn’t want to risk. It shows that his love for you was deeper that you can imagine. You should write your book and if there are some things about the game(s) that you don’t understand I’m sure you can consult some of the card players that knew your father and have them fill in the blanks and maybe share with you some of the most memorable times that they had with him. I remember reading an article about your father. The article mentioned that he didn’t play many Hold ‘em tournaments, but of the 30 that he played he placed first in 10 of them. To me that’s an amazing feat. The article didn’t mention the other finishes, but I’m sure he placed in the money. I feel that all of us each and every one of us have a certain talent, but sometimes we don’t want to pursue it for fear of how others judge us. I feel that your father was very gifted and had a passion for what he did and that’s what made him great. Passion can go a long a way…it becomes a part of you, your soul. I use to play a lot of pool and I knew a few pool players that were very talented. I would watch them run racks of 9-ball and think nothing of it, but they had other problems with drugs and alcohol or would take their winnings and loose it at the race tracks…. sometimes I ask myself how or why they seem to have so much going for them? I have no answers, but can only admire their true gifted ability to do what they did. I often wonder if the success is like a monkey on their backs. I just don’t why? I hope that everyone who reads these postings respects and understands what a gifted and talented person your father was.

I watched High Roller it was entertaining. The director said the guy in the room with Stu is left to the perception of the viewer. He said it could be death, an angel, the devil, or god that’s why the guy is so ambiguous at the end of the conversation. I guess whenever a book or movie is unauthorized I always take it with a grain of salt. I had never even heard of the guy before it just looked interesting. If anything it made me get online and find out more about him and I stumbled on to this site. I look forward to reading the book when it comes out. I think it's very courageous that his daughter is taking on the task of bringing his story to his fans. I am sure it was a way of getting to know him also, the way most of us get to know our parents as adults. I didn’t know what a hell raiser my dad was until I was an adult. It takes a lot of determination to write a book even if it’s about someone or something you love. My mother is a NY times best selling author and I watch her pull her hair out over every single book. Lots of luck to you Stefanie I’ll be sure to keep a look out for your book.

i just watched high rollers and got on the internet to read about how good he really was since you never hear about him on the poker shows but he seemed amazing i thought doyle was the best but no where close to stu ungar he seemed to be a fearless genious and anyone says he aint you better look agian at his record of tournies won 10 out of 30 who else can do that. no one not even phil hellmuth or doyle can win 10 out of 30 big poker tournaments much respect for a true fearless gambler no matter what half these morons on here say there just jeaulous they couldnt live a life or even come close to a million dollars like he did. rip to a card genious

Hey Stefanie, I am a big fan of your dads and think he was the greatest. Have you ever thought of taking up the sport. If you take after your dad you could be some poker player their still hasn't been a women winner at the world series of poker. Just curious if you have ever thought about learning the game. Or if your dad ever taught you the game also please keep us informed when your book on your father will be released.

Stu Ungar was the GREATEST poker player that ever lived.

bigguy, she dont want to learn ok, she is listening to what her father wished.

i honestly never knew that anyone had one 3 braclets at the WSOP main event. and i honestly never heard of any one talk about him when ever they are doing interviews. and i'm talking about the great ones now of days. they all talk about doyle and amarillo or others of that sort. but honestly i've never heard of stu untill i just watched the movie about him 2 days ago. i think he was a genious who just got mixed up with the wrong people. drugs ruined his life. he could have still been a great player no of days if he hadn't screwed up. but even though he was great i dont think he was the best. top 10 , but not the best.

hi,i don't believe i saw your father and grandmother since the time they found your aunt judy and i in a compromising situation (i swear i was a gentleman to your aunt) at the raleigh hotel in what i believe to be the summer of '68. judy and i had a pretty long friendship thru many years at camp rossevelt. your dad and i were connected thru judy and basketball, a game that he especially loved and excelled in despite his diminutive size. i remember your grandmother fondly and visited the ungar apartment on FDR drive and grant street a number of times in the mid sixties. i was greatly affected upon hearing of judy's passing. she was really really special. would you mind filling me in on judy's life? if not, i understand. all the best, larry soffes.

Just wanted to say respect to the man. RIP Stuey. You saw both ends of it and left a hell of a legacy.

Mighty, TOP 10 LOL Ok who else could count down the last 3 decks of a 6 deck shoe? Who else won every world series of poker championship they entered? Theres no 1 today who could even come close to stu's god given talent. If you think so show some proof... His wins speek for themselves.. He's the M. Jordan... Babe Ruth.. whatever u want to call it... Of poker, gin, & prolly any other card game he played... You can't even put any of todays top players in the same group stu was at.. All this talk about drugs and other crap you fools just jelous of the dood and hes not even around... You know your great when even when your gone people still talk about you... Movies getting made books ect... I'll bet you $100,000 there will never be movie about Phil Hellmuth... Or TJ.. BTW TJ IS A BIG HEADED PUNK in real life I told him i liked his book.. and he acted like he's too good to say thanks... 10 minutes later I Knocked u out of the tournament at Hustler casino... Called u down with pocket 8's and you had poket 7's... And i aint even that good... If you feel so greatly about someone else's card playing skills go to there forum and talk how great they are... Sorry for the rant... I've dropped to there level.. Ill stop while im ahead...

stuey was definite best NL Holdem player of all time, though he definitely aint the best all round poker player of all time. RIP stu

Hey Wannabe, although I agree with you that Stuey is a legend, he didn't win every championship he entered. He came in 9th in the 1990 WSOP Main Event.

Thanks for the info Andrew yeah i wasn't 100% sure about that. I was just on a rant man... So he was 3 for 4 winning & 4 for 4 making the final table... Thats still unbelievable.... I guess even if you know what people hold you still need to catch some cards...

STEFFFFFFFF what's up? talk to me, what do you think of John Leguizamo to play your dad? and what's up with the book? when's it coming out?

can someone tell me where I can get dvds of stu actually playing?? i cant find the wsop events anywhere.

Stephanie, I really think you should have an Official website of your father. YOu have to understand that people on these boards research everything online about Stu Ungar. While I was doing this, I was telling myself how I wished there was an official website of Stu Ungar that told all his stories and information. I think that would be very ideal since the book is coming out. And you can have your discussions in there! instead of here where anyone can pose as anybody just to make "dumb" comments. Anyway, Good luck on everything

The book, 'One of a knid: The Rise and Fall of Stuey "the kid" Ungar, the worlds gretest poker plyer' is available for pre-sale on amazon. The release date is listed as June 28.

i just saw the stu unger dvd i think it was great. all the drugs hookers and cards whar a great combo but what was his fascination with hookers and giving that one girl 30 g's. her pu$$y better been made of gold. R.I.P stuey

I just saw the movie "High Roller", and although you don't like it Stephanie, it caused me to want to research your father which brought me here, so I guess in that respect the movie does some good. I am definately going to be buying the "One of a Kind" book.

I also saw High Roller and was very disappointted with how cheap the whole movie looked and felt. I would not recomend this movie to anyone. It wasn't even a B class movie more like C. I also watched the behind the bonus matrial and what I felt was that the director maybe backed the movie and was out to make a buck on someone elses life. The movie does your father no justice. I am looking forward to the book being relesed. Best of luck Stef.

stephanie i hear you complain that this movie wasnt accurate about ur father, if u were truly his daughter u would have a say in how the movie was made they cant make inaccurate movie without someone;s permission and u would have to give that permission so take ur bs lies to another board

Actually they can make movies like that and often do. High Roller was made without Stephanie and her mother Madeline's approval, but because Stu Ungar is a public figure...he's fair game and he can be portrayed on screen. And since most of the characters aside from Stu are fictitious, they don't need clearances from anyone to make the movie. Notice there was no Stephanie character in the credits. (I haven't seen it and don't plan to) They didn't go by Stu and Nolan Dalla's book, which I believe could make one hell of a movie. Instead, they went in a direction that could only lead to disaster. The producers cheaped out on obtaining clearances and most likely wouldn't allow Stephanie and Madeline story approval. So they did it without them and made a movie that does not do Stu Ungar's life justice. It's unfortunate. How can you tell Stu's story and not tell Stephanie's at the same time? You can't. The producers of High Roller tried and I can only imagine the results. Mr. Miyagi is in it for crying out loud. Is he supposed to be Bob Stupak or what? It angers me....but I digress. Stephanie, I spoke to Nolan Dalla a couple years ago expressing interest in his yet to be released book. The producer I worked for at the time, even had conversations with his agent at the time, Greg. For whatever reason thereafter, they have been unreachable. I think our lawyer made a lowball offer and offended Greg, but I've never been able to confirm this. Stephanie, is there any way we could have a conversation about this? I have some things I think you'd be interested in hearing. My name is Andrew Chitko and I can be reached via email at [email]achitko@lakesentertainment.com[/email]. I promise you Stephanie that this five minutes of time will not be wasted. Thanks.