Jennifer Newell

Today would have been Johnny Moss' 100th birthday. The man was one of the pioneers of poker and paved the early road for where the game would go. Though he didn't know it at the time, he would become sought-after for tales of his early exploits, widely-respected for the experience he brought to the game, and a legend in poker's history.

I must be honest here. When I've read stories about Moss in his "wild west" days, though the history itself is fascinating, I never wished I had been there. Stories of gun-toting cowboys don't exactly intrigue me. Even so, I surely respect the man for holding his own, surviving sketchy situations, and following his passion for the game throughout his life.

From what I've read about Moss, part of me was offended by his nonchalant attitude. When asked if he ever killed a man, he responded, "I don't know if he died." That's not the kind of story that garners much respect from me. Sure, he was candid, but his lack of concern for humanity had much to be desired.

The respect I had for Moss came from his pursuit of poker, his disregard for popular opinion, and his dedication to the game that lasted until his final days. He seemed to have a zest for life and living it on his own terms. When he found that he had a passion for poker and the ability to do it well, he never looked for a job that would be socially acceptable; he found respect within the poker community, and that was enough for him. I also admired his desire to keep poker clean, doing his part - albeit with a gun in hand - to discourage cheaters from tarnishing the game.

In many ways, I wish I had become involved in the poker community long before I did. As a writer, I would have relished the opportunity to share a meal with Johnny Moss and delve into a different side of his past.

Truthfully, had I been given the chance to talk to him, I think I would have been offended by many of his answers and opinions. He was a straight-forward man from the old school, and I'm sure that his cowboy attitude and antiquated thoughts about women (and others) would have sent me into a tailspin. However, I think there would have been some endearing qualities about him, and with some more probing questions, I might have been able to get behind the rough exterior to find a kind, nostalgic old man with a very different story to tell.

The bottom line is that poker would not be where it is today without the passion that Johnny Moss brought to poker. For that, he is celebrated today.