Doyle Brunson (1933-2023) was a legendary poker player known as ‘Texas Dolly.’ He won 10 WSOP bracelets including back-to-back Main Event titles in 1976 and 1977. His book ‘Super/System’ is considered the poker bible.
Career Highlights
- 10 WSOP Bracelets
- 2 WSOP Main Event wins (1976, 1977)
- Poker Hall of Fame charter member (1988)
- Author of ‘Super/System’
Notable Tournament Results
| Year | Tournament | Finish | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | WSOP $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event | 1st | $220,000 |
| 1977 | WSOP $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event | 1st | $340,000 |
| 1978 | WSOP $5,000 Seven Card Stud | 1st | $80,000 |
| 1979 | WSOP $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Draw | 1st | $90,000 |
| 2005 | WSOP $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em | 1st | $367,800 |
Playing Style Analysis
Doyle Brunson’s playing style was characterized by a fearless and aggressive approach, particularly in an era when most players were more conservative. He was one of the pioneers of aggressive no-limit hold’em play, often employing bluffs and semi-bluffs to put pressure on opponents. Brunson was known for his incredible intuition and ability to read players, often relying on gut feelings rather than purely mathematical calculations, especially in high-stakes cash games.
He famously won his two Main Event titles with the hand 10-2, which has since been dubbed the “Doyle Brunson hand,” symbolizing his willingness to play unconventional starting hands and outmaneuver opponents