Big Deal: Poker Player Robbie Box Made TV Gold

So few TV programs do gambling justice. Who can remember the ill-fated Trainer? What a horrendous attempt at what ever they thought it was. 

We've seen a few fly-on-the wall documentaries about problem gamblers. Depressing. True, it is real to a point. Although the term demand characteristics pop into my head when I see anyone acting strangely in front of a camera of any kind. Don't you just love the staff in the shops who tell the bloke who is bashing the FOBT to death, to go home after he has lost all of his dough. Very ''When The Fun Stops - STOP!'' 

For so many people betting is bad news. Unless you look at it as a full-time job or you are happy betting 50p a week then PLEASE don't get caught in its net. 

One program I'm sure many readers have truly fond memories is Big Deal starring the talented Ray Brooks. This British comedy-drama was broadcast on the BBC between 1984 - 1986. The series created and written by Geoff McQueen. Unknown to me, he also created other noted TV programs as the Bill. Sadly, McQueen died in 1994 at the age of 46 from a aneurysm. 

Well, Robbie Box [Ray Brooks] was a small-time gambler with a poker addiction [I think more of a way of life than addiction but I may be splitting hairs].   

It was an excellent 3 series. There are a few episodes on Youtube and the BBC did have the wisdom of selling one or two series but then ceased their involvement to the irritation of many who were willing to pay good money to have this worthy DVD collection. 

In all 30 episodes were made. 

Here is the very first episode of this great gambling series. 

Photo: Pixabay free no attribution 

DAVE ''DEVILFISH'' ULLIOTT: The Life And Times of a Poker Legend

I must be one of the few people who don't know how to play poker. It's more to do with not really wanting to play the game. I've won and lost at three-card brag. 

However, that doesn't mean I'm not interested in learning from professional gamblers. I'm not sure where I first heard about Dave Ulliott. It was either on the internet or one of those poker games on TV back in the day. I'm pretty sure it was the latter, although the name ''Devil Fish'' didn't mean too much to me. 

I remember seeing a racehorse with the same name but I didn't put two and two together until about ten years after the date! I'm sure Dave would have come out with a wisecrack about my lack of appreciation of this fine game and his celebrity status as one of the best poker players in the UK (if not the world).

Anyway, I happened to see a video on YouTube about the Devil Fish. I get a feeling it was in his early days of player poker for a living. I will see if I can find a link to the episode as it was a good watch.   

Just found it: Dave Ulliott (DevilFish) Documentary. 

I enjoyed this gritty video which led me to purchase his autobiography. 

I've stormed through the first 100 pages like the Devil Fish would shuffle a pack of cards. I tell you this if you want to read a book with humour, blood, sweat and tears, then you need to give this a few hours of your time as you won't be disappointed. 

I've not even got to the part where he's playing poker against the best in the world and it's one of the best books I've ever read. 

Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading the rest and update this post with my conclusion (which is pretty much going to say it's one great title). 

God bless, Dave, who sadly passed away long before his time.