Playing poker, for money, for showing skill and presence of mind, and also getting adulation by winning tournaments can be considered as any other game like football or basket ball. Poker is considered as a virulent form of gambling as the players are supposed to be taking chances without any reasonable basis. When it comes to matter of chance winning or losing any game is also matter of chance. We talk of such things like physical fitness, mental toughness, study of opposition’s tactics, forming a strategy and alternate plans like A, B and C etc; when other games are considered. If poker is also is taken as any another game all the above points become equally applicable. Moreover, remaining impassive and playing mind games are also additional factors that make a successful poker player. It is no wonder therefore that several tournaments, in which people from all over the world participate, are held in almost all the countries worldwide. Winners of these tournaments are admired for their skill in playing poker. We will be talking about Phil Gordon who has won several tournaments.
Phil Gordon comes with a degree in computer science. He must have been a child prodigy because he entered the Georgia Institute of Technology at the tender age of 15 for getting his degree in computer science. He could have had a fabulous career in missiles and space technology because his first job was at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company based in Santa Cruz. For some reason he quit Lockheed another company which was acquired by Cisco systems. He quit this job also and went on a travel spree and this lasted a long period of 5years covering 50countries. Playing poker got the admiration of many people because of his accomplishments on that field. However, the travelling part has been most impressive.
Phil Gordon took part in the World Series of poker tournaments in 2001. He netted $400,000 even though he ranked only the 4th in the main event. In 2004, he defeated two noteworthy opponents and won the Shooting Stars world poker tournament. In 2006 by winning the Full tilt poker championship he earned $600,000.
A technologist and star poker player, Phil Gordon has taken to poker television programs in prestigious national TV networks, for giving commentaries and views on several poker championships. His versatility is apparent in the fact his being the author of several books on poker. Many of them are a must read for poker players who want to improve their game because he has named one of the books as Lessons and Teachings. Another book deals with more lessons and analysis of various games. Not stopping with writing books, Phil Gordon has produced a DVD giving expert insights into table poker.
Poker player, TV commentator, guide, writer and author of several books Phil Gordon has devoted large part of his time and earnings in the crusade against cancer. His magic has worked on players who have pledged 1% of their winnings for cancer research and this has resulted in rising in thousands of dollars.
Phil Gordon continues association with poker as a representative of Full Tilt poker and Tiltboys.
