I'd been playing poker off and on since my high school days. In fact, I still remember my first game. It was five-card draw, and l ended up the big winner. I recall thinking at the time what easy money it was. After I entered Hardin-Simmons, I'd play in the usual Saturday night games. In general, I seemed to do pretty well. I got caught once or twice and was disciplined for gambling, but since I was one of the basketball stars nothing much came of it.

After breaking my leg, basketball was out of the question and I spent a lot more time playing poker. I began paying more attention to my studies also. Prior to my injury I felt that basketball would carry me through school. But from here on in, I'd have to use my brain. My poker winnings paid for my expenses, and in 1954 I graduated with a bachelor's degree.

I stayed on at Hardin-Simmons and earned my master's degree in Administrative Education the following year. With these credentials, I felt sure I'd be offered a job that would lead to a position as superintendent of schools or at least a principal. It didn't work out that way. In fact, the top job offered to me was that of a basketball coach at Dalhart (Texas) High School at a salary of $4,800 a year.

It didn't make sense; I was making more than that just playing poker. I used to travel around to the different colleges in Texas setting up games and making a fair living by my wits. At that time, however, the idea of becoming a professional gambler had not occurred to me even though it was apparent I played better than most.