Poker Player - Robert "Chip Burner" Turner
Robert Turner is one of the most well known and best loved figures in the world of professional poker. He started playing aged 21, and has dedicated over 25 years to full time professional play. He is famous for many reasons, not least for being named "Best All Round Player" at least once in every decade since the 1970's!
Robert Turner's style of play is as aggressive as card playing can get without being violent! Regardless of whether his hand is the best at the table or not, Robert is able to scare off other players with his tactics as his opponents are often unable to place what kind of hand he might have. His playing is fast and furious, which lead to his nickname "Chip Burner". His style is often very successful and his winnings reflect this with tournament earnings of in excess of $691,651 and an impressive record of titles to his name. At other times though, his playing could be considered reckless and there is a trend for him to either be knocked out of tournaments in the early stages, or to go the whole way to the final table. There is very rarely anything in between!
Robert's live tournament accomplishments incorporate a range of poker variations, demonstrating that he is not confined to one style. In 2003 his first place finishes include the Hustler Open for Seven Card Stud, Limit Hold'em at the Mini Series of Poker, the California State Poker Championship for Omaha Hi-Lo, and Seven Card Stud at the Grand Slam of Poker. In this year he finished in second place for Omaha Hi-Lo at the Hustler Challenge Cup, Low Ball at the Mini Series of Poker, Limit Hold'em at the Grand Slam of Poker and Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo at the National Championship of Poker. In 1993 he won his first World Series of Poker bracelet for Seven Card Stud. More recently, in 2006, he took first place for Omaha Hi-Lo at the Jack Binion World Series of Poker Circuit Event and the Los Angeles Winnin' O' the Green Seven Card Stud Hi-Li event.
Beyond his playing skills however, Robert has a successful career on the other side of the table. He not only owns a hair salon in Southern California, but is also an executive host at The Bicycle Casino LA, since 1991. He has worked in probably every LA Casino there is, and has extensive experience in Casino management. He is also married to another tournament player, Charity Turner, with whom he has 2 children, once joking that all of his winnings "go to Charity!"
It should also not go without mention that Robert Turner is widely credited for the creation of a game that he plays so well; that of Omaha. The story goes that while working at The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, he met a lady from Seattle, who played a game using four cards. Robert had also played a variation of this game and the two compared notes. He then presented the idea to Bill Boyd, the director of Poker Operations at the Golden Nugget, and the game was launched as "Nugget Hold'em." As the game became more popular and widespread, the game evolved into Omaha poker as it is known today, a game much loved in poker playing circles.
Robert Turner has a full and active life in poker that goes beyond playing at the tables. He has made many contributions to the development of the sport, as well has frequently finishing in the money at tournaments. His earnings and titles aside, Robert Turner's dedication and commitment to poker have earned him the respect of an entire industry.
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