Bobby Hoffman

Robert Charles Hoff was born on December 14, 1939, in Victoria, Texas. In 1958, he attended the University of Texas on a golf scholarship, playing golf at a scratch handicap. After graduating, he learned poker in Las Vegas, working as a dealer and playing regularly. He also became a skilled blackjack player after reading 'Beat the Dealer' by Edward O. Thorp, but was eventually banned from most blackjack tables in Las Vegas, forcing him to return to poker.

Hoff befriended famed road gamblers like Doyle Brunson and Bryan 'Sailor' Roberts, who staked much of his poker action. He developed a reputation as a fearless and calculating player, capable of winning huge sums in cash games.

Hoff's most famous achievement came in the 1979 World Series of Poker $10,000 no-limit hold'em Main Event. He recovered from a low of $1,730 on Day 1 to $225,700 by the final table. He eliminated Johnny Moss in fifth place when his A♦10♠ outdrew A♥Q♠ with a river 10♥. After reaching heads-up play against amateur Hal Fowler, Hoff held a significant chip lead but ultimately lost when his A♥A♣ was outdrawn by Fowler's 7♠6♦ on a board of J♠5♥3♣4♠10♦. The match lasted over 10 hours and became known as the original David and Goliath match of the WSOP. Hoff later accused Fowler of using Valium or Methaqualone during the match. He had nightmares about the loss for weeks.

Hoff finished in the money of the WSOP Main Event three more times: 13th in 1990, 25th in 1993, and 12th in 1998. He also appeared in Poker Superstars II, finishing second in two heats. His total live tournament winnings exceeded $530,000.

Hoff was widely regarded as an even better cash game player than tournament player. Poker author Bob Ciaffone recalled a hand where Hoff bluff-raised him on the river after Ciaffone had raised, the only time anyone had done that to him. Steve Lott described Hoff's style as 'calculatedly aggressive,' with a perfect mix of bluffs and value hands. Phil 'Doc' Earle noted Hoff's unnerving confidence and ability to know opponents' hands. Hoff frequently played shorthanded, where he excelled at winning large sums.

Hoff was known for his aggressive, fearless approach. He varied his preflop hand selection widely, including playing 6-3 offsuit in certain spots. Postflop, he was relentlessly aggressive, attacking opponents and forcing them to make mistakes. His nickname 'The Wizard' referred ironically to his ability to make mountains of chips disappear, but he was also a master at accumulating them.

In December 2010, Hoff suffered a stroke and was hospitalized in Houston, Texas. He recovered but died on August 25, 2013, at the age of 73. His death marked the end of a career of a man many considered one of the greatest no-limit hold'em players of all time.