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The Rise and Fall of Stu Ungar: The World's Greatest Poker Player

Ernest Cline

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Published in One Of A Kind: The Rise And Fall Of Stuey The Kid Ungar The World S Greatest Poker Player

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One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stuey ',The Kid', Ungar, The World's Greatest Poker Player

by Nolan Dalla

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	980 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

Stu Ungar was a poker player who won three World Series of Poker Main Events in the 1980s and 1990s. He was known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to read his opponents. Ungar was also a drug addict, and his addiction ultimately led to his death in 1998 at the age of 45.

The Early Years

Stu Ungar was born in New York City in 1953. He began playing poker at a young age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was one of the best players in the city. Ungar dropped out of high school to pursue a career in poker, and he quickly rose to the top of the game.

In 1980, Ungar won his first World Series of Poker Main Event. He was just 26 years old, and he became the youngest player ever to win the tournament. Ungar went on to win the Main Event again in 1981 and 1990.

The Downward Spiral

Ungar's success on the poker table was matched by his struggles with drug addiction. He began using cocaine in the early 1980s, and his addiction quickly spiraled out of control. Ungar's drug use began to affect his poker playing, and he started to lose money.

In 1997, Ungar was arrested for possession of cocaine. He was sentenced to six months in prison, and he was banned from playing in the World Series of Poker. Ungar was released from prison in 1998, but he was still struggling with his addiction.

The Death of a Legend

On November 22, 1998, Stu Ungar was found dead in a motel room in Las Vegas. He was just 45 years old. The cause of death was a heart attack, but Ungar's addiction to cocaine was a contributing factor.

Stu Ungar was one of the greatest poker players of all time. He was a brilliant player who could read his opponents like a book. But Ungar's addiction to drugs ultimately led to his downfall.

The Rise and Fall of Stu Ungar is a tragic story. It is a story of a man who had everything but lost it all to addiction. Ungar's story is a reminder that even the most successful people can be brought down by their demons.

If you are struggling with addiction, please know that you are not alone. There is help available. Please reach out to a friend, family member, or counselor for support.