What is the meaning of ‘A Chip and a Chair’ in poker?
The phrase "a chip and a chair" in poker originated from Jack "Treetop" Straus's extraordinary comeback during the 1982 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. After being down to a single chip, he came back to win the tournament. This saying symbolizes that as long as a player has even a single chip left, they still have a chance to win the tournament.
Straus's journey to victory is a legendary tale in poker history. At one point in the tournament, Straus believed he was eliminated after losing a hand and pushing his chips into the pot. However, as he stood up to leave, he discovered a single $500 chip hidden under a napkin on the table. Since he had not officially declared himself all-in, tournament officials allowed him to continue playing.
Despite being left with just one chip in a tournament where the blinds were already quite high (400/800) and with over a hundred players remaining, Straus's perseverance led to an incredible comeback as he went on to win the entire tournament. This stunning turnaround not only secured him the WSOP Main Event title but also coined the phrase "a chip and a chair," which has since become a staple expression in the poker world.
This saying encapsulates the essence of never giving up in a poker tournament, as long as one still has a single chip left. While the likelihood of winning from such a disadvantageous position is generally low, with most players unable to recover from being down to just one chip, the phrase serves as a metaphorical reminder that hope remains as long as you have a chip in play. Straus’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of poker, where even the slimmest of chances can lead to ultimate victory.
