|
 Moss was born and raised in Odessa, Texas, where he learned how to play poker at an early age. He said his first game was at age 10, when he was taught the game by local cheats. He learned how to con players - dealing from the bottom of the deck, making cards - but decided to use his knowledge for good rather than evil. Consequently, as a teenager, he was hired by a saloon to observe games and make sure they were being played fairly. In this capacity, Moss was learning the poker strategy that would make him a champion. Two years later, he hit the road and became a rounder.
After making a name for himself on the road, Moss hit Las Vegas. Among his many exploits was a five-month poker marathon with Jimmy “The Greek” Dandalos. At the end of the 150-day event, which was set up by Benny Binion, Moss had won between $2 and $4 million, at which point Dandalos uttered the now-famous quote, “Mr. Moss, I have to let you go.” This event was the catalyst for Binion’s idea of organizing the first World Series of Poker.
His poker achievements are impressive, and it would not be a stretch to call Johnny the champion of champions; He took part in the WSOP every year from 1970 to 1995 and won the main event in 1970, ’71 and ’74 with eight bracelets and 15 money finishes. He finished second in the main event in ‘72 and ’73 and finished 5th in ‘79 and 4th in ’80. In total he earned over $680,000 in tournament play. Other WSOP victories included 1975 $1,000 7-card stud, 1976 $500 7-card stud, 1979 $5,000 7-card stud, 1981 $1,000 7-card stud hi-lo and 1988 $1,500 Ace-to5 draw.
Moss was often referred to as the “Grand Old Man” because of his longevity and superior play. Often thought of as one of the all time greats, he was also a charter member of the Poker Hall of Fame - inducted in 1979.
|
