POKER INFO - PROILE - Stu Ungar

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

I am going to be in Atlanta this Friday-Monday. I don't know exactally what We'll be doing but I'll Let you know. I'll be finding out probably tomarrow. Talk to you soon. Stefanie

Thanks Stephanie, I just took a case with a child 12 hr shifts this Friday, Sat, Sun 7A-7P hope there are evening stops or signings and or Monday anytime. Please let me know would be great 2 meet you all. Thanks again, Kent (kentrn@bellsouth.net)

firstly i would like to say that all of those who have said such horrible things about stuey should be ashamed of themsleves. to talk so awfully about such a man, especially after his demise is just downright insensitive. the absolute apathy that some seem to feel on this sitre stuns me. stu was hands down the best card player alive. his accheivements at any game invloving a deck of cards were unbelievable. i am pretty good gin rummy player but no that i could live 5 hundred years and never approach stu's talent at the game. that does not even cover how extremely good he was at texas holdem. one of the youngest players ever to win. back to back wins, and three main event, not to mention two other bracelets in other events. his other accomplishments are too numerous to mention. i would just like to say that stef ungar, am very honored that u would post on this site. never let the ignorance of people on this site and their false perceptions bother you. stu had problems just like everyone else but i think that good far outweighs the bad. hope things go great for you and looking forward to reading book. thank you

if u go to pokerpages.com and check out this article about him it will proof how great he was, he won the main event 3 times only Johnny Moss has done that, and u cant say Moss sucked. every final table he has made it to he has come out the winner besides once.

PokerMom,Don't worry yet. I dropped out of college too to pursue business, only to realize I made a mistake. I went back, knocked down a couple degrees, and going for a PhD now. I predict he will be back in school in due time.

Thank you PokerRookie, but I'm not so sure. I'm always hopeful. I'll have sweet dreams with your predictions. The only thing I do know is that by standing aside and not trying to force him to do something he didn't want to do, he will never be a 40 yr. old with irrital bowel syndrome. It just sounds like such a shkeevy life out there. We shall see. Thanks again, Polly

Hey Stephanie if you can get me your itenerary I might be able to get someone to cover my patient. I need to know ASAP you can e-mail to [email]kentrn@bellsouth.net[/email] if you want. Really looking forward to the visit. Thanks again.. can't wait! Kent

I'll let you know later on today when I find out.

Ok, all I know at this point is that we are doing a book signing at Borders on Sat. duing the day. I don't know exactally what Borders in Altanta. It has been so crazy. I have not been given any info until today. Sorry this isn't much help as of right now. I'll try to get more specifics. Stefanie

OK cool let me know what U find out the sooner the better so I can get coverage. Thax hope to see ya soon. God Bless

Stefanie, do you know anying about website for your father--what it will be like and such? I'm looing forward to it

Stefanie any word yet? U know which borders and when? or when u get here on Friday? I am free after 7:00pm? Thanks, Kent

Stefanie, I was able to get today off... I have called around and none of the Borders or Barnes and Nobles have book signings today? Did plans change? Please let me know something. Thanks, Kent

Kent, I am so sorry! We ended up going to a place called Jocks and jills for a chairity event. It was actually men"the Master" Chairty event. Scotty Nugen was there too. We had our book sighing there. I felt so bad I could get to a cumputer until now to let you know. I really, really do!!! But I am not leaving until Monday give me your E Mail adress again. Mabey I could get a signed book to you before we leave. Again, I am really sorry. I had no idea as to what exactally was going on in this trip. My mom and I also did a photo shoot today for "HighRoller" magazine . That issue will be out in Oct/Nov. I love this city! You are so lucky to live here. Well,I really shouldn't say "luck." I don't believe in luck. There is so much culture here and the restaurants are great. Well, I know I am going to the Braves game tomarrow(actually today, it's so late) but write me back and Mabey we can set something up. Talk to you later!! Stefanie

stefanie, it's [email]Kentrn@bellsouth.net[/email] I am off today as well. I got someone to cover weekend 4 me. Please please let me know if there is a way...too bad I have played Jocks and Jills be 4 wish I would have known I would have played. Hope you can write back. Kent )kentrn@bellsouth.net

I am going to be out and about today on my bike since it is a nice day. I have my book with me. Would be better if you could call my cell 678-227-0890 Thanks Stefanie glad U R enjoying the visit.

Stefanie...I am glad U had a good visit to Atl. I was really looking forward to meeting you. I know you are busy and I keep telling myself maybe I didn't hear from you due to fact you don't really know who I am just a guy on this website. I wanted to meet you to show you I am who I am and that what I have shared here is real. I took the weekend off from work and really wanted to hear from you before and today (Sunday). I was really excited after getting your message Sunday Morning. I am getting used to not hearing back from people and have to give it to God. I hope you had a great time at the game and that the book and signings are going well. God bless, Kent

people are so close minded there are many people who do drugs without anyone knowing instead of the focus being stu's addiction the focus should be how badly hed bust your ass in a second he saw through people and right through the deck hes the greatest no if ands or buts

i wish people would stp with the immature comments about stu. it is both crass and plain wrong. you are dishonroing a mans memory. i know my argument will do nothing do dissaude you, but stefanie i would like you to know that your father is my favorite player of all time, and i enjoy every story i hear about his wit and humor, as well as those about his card game mastery. i would have truly liked to meet him. i cant wait to read the book, still havent had any time to go out and get it. however ive heard great things and im very happy for you that you were able to do such a great thing for your father as tell the story, the true story, from his writings and the stories of others. thank you for posting on this site, i thorughly enjoy your posts. hope you had fun at the braves game. atlanta is my favorite team. hope hear back from ya.

Just as there are better chess players now than in the past, eventually there will be a better tournament hold 'em player than Stu. Someone who reads Daniel Negreanu or Doyle Brunson like they're drunken Las Vegas tourists. Someone who can even tell what other players are folding before the flop, and calculate the probabilities instantaneously. Someone as brilliant as Stu, but still under control. I firmly believe this, just as Kasparov is considered by many to be superior to Bobby Fischer, someone will come along who's better than Stu.But we certainly haven't seen Stu's tournament equal yet, not even a remote rival. Yes, the fields are tremendously larger than they were even a few years ago, but consider that Stu sat down to 5 final WSOP tables and won all five bracelets, in a game that involves a tremendous amount of luck in the short run.