Layne Flack

Layne Flack was born on May 18, 1969, in Rapid City, South Dakota, and later resided in Montana and Nevada. He started playing cards with his grandparents, but became engrossed in the game while working at a casino. After quitting his job as a night manager, he turned to full-time poker. Flack met Johnny Chan, who helped improve his game and, following a big loss, encouraged Flack to ensure he had plenty of rest before tournaments. Later, Ted Forrest took him under his wing, eventually allowing him to play in the biggest games in the world. Flack also went by the alias "Dee Flack" at times.

Flack won six WSOP bracelets over his career. His first came in 1999 in the $3,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em event for $224,400. In August of that same year, he won the Legends of Poker $330 7-Card Stud tournament for $15,600 and the following day took down the $330 Limit Hold'em Shootout for $19,320. These back-to-back victories earned him the nickname "Back-to-Back" Flack, which would be reinforced when he won two gold bracelets in both 2002 and 2003. His final bracelet victory was in 2008 in the $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha with Rebuys event for $577,725, his largest live cash.

In total, he had 58 WSOP money finishes and his highest Main Event finish was 194th in 2005. Flack had 150 lifetime cashes with total earnings of $5,079,412, and his latest cash was for $778 on July 30, 2020.

Flack made numerous appearances on the World Poker Tour, winning one title and reaching three final tables. Notable results include:

• 2002 World Poker Finals: 2nd place ($186,900)
• WPT Invitational Tournament: Winner ($125,000)
• 2004 UltimateBet.Com Poker Classic: 2nd place ($500,000)
• 2008 Legends of Poker: 8th place ($105,620)

Other career highlights include $225,190 for fourth place in the 2016 WinStar River Poker Series Main Event.

Flack was known for his aggressive, unpredictable style, often applying constant pressure on opponents. His ability to read opponents and make bold bluffs earned him the enduring nickname "Back to Back Flack." His talent didn't go unnoticed by poker's best players; when he went through a few bad sessions, Johnny Chan was more than willing to back his play.

Flack struggled with substance abuse issues throughout his life. He passed away on July 19, 2021, at age 52 in Las Vegas. The Clark County coroner listed the cause of death as fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine intoxication. His dear friend and WSOP bracelet winner Derick "Tex" Barch offered a few words: "He (Flack) was an amazing friend, more like a brother. Through good, bad and all his mischief - Layne had your back!"

In 2022, Flack was posthumously inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame as the sole inductee of the Class of 2022. His lifetime live tournament earnings exceeded $5 million, with over $2.7 million from WSOP events alone. Flack is remembered as one of the most talented and charismatic players of his era, leaving a lasting impact on the poker world.

Before turning professional, Flack would often visit another casino after his shift to play poker, gradually improving his skills. This routine laid the foundation for his eventual full-time poker career.

In May 1999, Flack won his first World Series of Poker bracelet in the $3,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em event, earning $224,400. This victory marked the beginning of his remarkable WSOP success.