The Robin Hood Of Poker

Author: Simon Dexter

Barry Greenstein is unique amongst poker players – he gives away all his winnings to charity.

The 46-year-old mild-mannered professional has donated more the million since deciding to part with his earnings and most of it goes to children’s charities.

Born in Chicago, the young Greenstein started playing at an early age and as a teenager was already earning more than his keep. Having put himself through University, family circumstances meant he was unable to finish his PhD in mathematics but it did not stop him landing a plum job in Silicon Valley.

In the early 1990’s Greenstein turned professional playing most cash games rather than playing on the tournament circuit. Having made a substantial profit in these cash poker games, Bernstein turned his attention to playing in the major tournaments and is now a regular on many of the TV poker shows which seem to dominate the airwaves these days.

The player came to more notice when releasing his first and to date, only book Aces On The River which quickly became a best seller. Dealing about the life of a professional poker player rather than discussing too much strategy, his offering is a useful insight into the day-to-day life on the circuit. Greenstein will sign a copy of his book and give it to any player who knocks him out of a tournament.

His quiet nature and philanthropic ways have made him a popular member of the poker world tour and although his demeanour means he does not get the TV exposure his skills deserve, he is possibly the most respected player on the green baize.

Greenstein has also had the chance to help two other players reach the professional circuit. During the 1990’s he helped Mimi Tran to establish herself by educating the young star about his style in return for Tran teaching him Vietnamese.

His adopted son Joe Sebok has also been influenced by Greenstein and the young player is slowly rising through the ranks of world poker.

His personal website is one of the most interesting and informative on the web with his analysis of rival players one of the most useful and insightful on the site.

The intelligent Greenstein is a refreshing character in professional poker and is affectionately known as the ‘Robin Hood of Poker’.