The President that Financed his Career with Poker
Many believe that no US president is suitable for their noble position unless they can hold a hand at a first-class poker table. It is possible that America’s 37th President, Richard Nixon, took these words quite literally. A president’s financed career with poker indicates how determined a person can be.
In today’s article, we will go through the interesting story of Richard Nixon’s poker skills, as well as the way he taught himself to play the card game so well. Before we proceed, we’d like to give it to you straight that the 37th President didn’t bribe his way into the White House.
Richard Nixon’s Poker History – How it Started?
During World War II, Richard Nixon served as a U.S. Navy lieutenant in charge of the logistical movement of arms at Guadalcanal Air Base in the Solomon Islands and other posts. The Japanese frequently bombed his unit, and it became known as “Murder, Incorporated.” However, when Nixon was transferred to the less eventful Green Island, he had more time for leisure activities such as poker.
He left his job as a lawyer at a federal agency in Washington to join the Navy at age 29. He was assigned to an air base in Green Island, Solomon Islands, in 1944 to oversee the loading and unloading of a cargo aircraft. According to one account, Nixon didn’t even know how to play cards when he arrived at the base.
Unlike the family of the person who invented poker, Nixon’s relatives disapproved of gambling since they were Quakers. While Nixon most likely did not like poker either, he got intrigued while watching the other officers from the navy play. He even asked one of them if there was a sure way to win the game.
Richard Nixon’s Poker Abilities – Was He Good?
Let’s start by saying that everything Richard Nixon ever did was very calculated. He didn’t view poker as a sport or a hobby, he approached it as a skill. Ken Hughes, a Virginia historian, says that “Nixon tried to master the fundamentals to everything he ever tried”. Sources claim he viewed poker as just a potential way to make money.
Richard Nixon’s Poker Strategy – The Secret
Furthermore, Nixon took the time to thoroughly study and learn poker before betting any of his money while in the Navy. Way before the era of US online casinos and tutorials practising with the best players he could find, listening to their strategies and techniques, and playing practice games with no stakes to improve his skills.
| What types of poker games did Nixon play? | Usually, his friends played five-card stud or draw, with nothing wild. |
| What bet sizes did Nixon place when playing poker? | There is little information about this. We know that Nixon played safely with his money by reading the opponents and checking the odds before placing a bet. |
| What was Richard Nixon’s poker strategy? | We know of one strategy that Richard Nixon’s friend James Stewart shared: Folding in about 80% of the time and staying in the game for the best hands. |
After Nixon’s desire to play poker risk-free, his friend Stewart shared a strategy with him that he believed would be effective for a disciplined player. The technique involved folding about 80% of the time and only staying in the game when you had strong cards. Nixon’s calm and realistic approach to the game was fascinating and maybe even worthy for the poker hall of fame.
How Much Did Nixon Win Playing Poker?
When he returned home to his wife Pat, he brought with him a significant amount of money won from playing poker during his time in the Navy. Estimates of the amount he won range from $6,800 to $8,000, which is equivalent to $125,000 in 2023 dollars. Originally, Nixon planned to use this money, along with his wife’s salary, to buy a house.
How Did Nixon Decide to Run in the Presidential Election?
Nixon decided to run for a congressional seat in California’s 12th District after receiving a letter from businessman Herman Perry. Although hesitant initially, he and his wife Pat eventually became enthusiastic about the opportunity and used Nixon’s poker winnings to fund his successful campaign against incumbent Jerry Voorhis in 1946.
How Much Did the US President Poker Player Pay For His Campaign?
It is highly unusual for candidates to contribute a significant portion of their campaign funds out of their own pocket, but according to Aitken, that is exactly what Richard Nixon did when he ran for a congressional seat in California’s 12th District. He reportedly used a portion of the money he had won playing poker during his time in the Navy to finance his campaign, specifically contributing 20% of the total campaign costs.
List of the Other US President Poker Players
- Warren G. Harding – His cabinet became known as the “poker cabinet”, thanks to his weekly games.
- Harry Truman – After learning the game as a soldier in WWI, he continued to play his entire life.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt – Roosevelt was a lowballer dedicated to low-stakes stud poker.
- Dwight Eisenhower – Dwight Eisenhower was an especially good poker player.
- George Washington – He had a personal accounting book where he recorded all his games.
- Abraham Lincoln – He had his own ritual – he began every bet with a 1-cent coin.
Conclusion – A President’s Funded Campaign with Poker Winnings
Richard Nixon was an excellent poker player who made significant winnings while serving in the US Navy during World War II. He was known for his discipline and determination, and his skill at the game allowed him to fund his first run for political office after returning home. His approach to the game was very realistic and excluded all kinds of good luck symbols.
Frequently Asked Questions
At the end of our blog post about this US president poker player, we’d like to remind you to take a brief look at our detailed FAQ section. By reading it, you’ll make sure to prevent any potential misunderstandings from happening.
