| Bill Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1934-03-14)March 14, 1934 Roswell, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Died | February 28, 1996(1996-02-28) (aged 61) Nevada, U.S. |
| World Series of Poker | |
| Bracelet | 1 |
| Money finishes | 3 |
| Highest WSOP Main Event finish | Winner,1985 |
Bill Smith (March 14, 1934 – February 28, 1996) was a professionalpoker player who won the1985 World Series of Poker Main Event.
Smith was a staple at theWorld Series of Poker (WSOP) during the 1980s. He was involved in three final tables of the Main Event. At the1981 and1986 WSOP, Smith placed fifth, but at the1985 World Series of Poker he won thebracelet and $700,000. His total tournament winnings exceeded $1,050,000.[1] His three cashes at the WSOP accounted for $788,800 of his lifetime winnings.[2]
Smith often played professional poker tournaments drunk. By all accounts, he was analcoholic.[3][4]
According to fellow poker playerT. J. Cloutier, Smith did not play well when he was sober or totally drunk. “Bill was the tightest player you'd ever played in your life when he was sober. And when he was halfway drunk, he was the best player I'd ever played with. No one could read opponents’ hands better than half- drunk Smith. But when he got past that halfway mark, he was the worst player I'd ever played with.”[5]
The year Smith won the Main Event, he entered the final day's play sober and just sat there while he warmed up. After he started drinking, he accumulated a huge pile of chips by well-timed aggressive play. He had so many chips once he was totally drunk that good luck led him to victory.[6]
Smith died on February 8, 1996.[7]
| Year | Tournament | Prize (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | $10,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship | $700,000 |