Viva Las Vegas (Part II)


Oklahoma Johnny Hale

We played in a tournament at Binion’s again. Merlotgirl was at the table next to mine. There is an older gentleman at her table who has a bit of bling on. Gold medallion on a necklace, rings and bracelet. And he’s wearing a blue windbreaker with a map of Oklahoma on the back and the name “Oklahoma Johnny Hale” next to it. I knew the name. Knew he was an old time poker pro who was a contemporary of Doyle Brunson’s. Well, it turns out that it really is Oklahoma Johnny Hale playing in a small tournament at Binion’s. Merlotgirl told me the following stories about her table. With t250 in the pot Johnny bet t1,500 at it. It folded around to the last player, who as he’s folding, asked “Why so much Johnny?” To which Mr. Hale responded…”Why send a boy to do a man’s work?” (I filed that line away for use at a later time). When he busted out later he said “Don’t worry about me, I have plenty of money at home.”

Now, while my wife and I had both heard of Oklahoma Johnny Hale, we didn’t really know anything about him. So when we got home we did a little research and found out the following:

He was responsible for the Seniors event being included in the WSOP starting in 2001.
He was voted the Best All Around Poker player at the 11th WSOP in 1980. As a point of reference Chip Reese was voted Best All Around in 1981.
He regularly sponsors tournaments at the Cherokee Casino in Tulsa.
He was the host of the Senior Event at this years WSOP.
He’s a frequent writer in Poker Player Newspaper.
He assisted in founding the WSOP.
He was the Founder of the Senior World Poker Championship.


As my wife will attest it was a distinct pleasure to play with one of the greats of the game. A man who was a true gentleman, and was truly an ambassador for the game.

(To Be Continued)