TJ Cloutier

In a world where superstitions run amok, being born on Friday the 13th does not augur well. For those who were born on this date a career where chance can play an important role is not highly recommended.

Luckily for poker, Thomas James “TJ” Cloutier, born on Friday 13 October 1939, ignored this advice and set his heart on a life in poker.

His decision proved to be a great one and it was rewarded in 2006 when he was inducted into the poker hall of fame. This honour was bestowed upon him because of the great accomplishments he has achieved, winning over 50 major tournaments. He also has six World Series of Poker bracelets to his name as well as numerous other WSOP final placings, including two second place finishes in the main event (which he is yet to win). Cloutier is currently tied with Phil Hellmuth for highest number of WSOP final table appearances, with both players reaching the latter stages of events in this tournament a staggering 39 times.

In his earlier years, Cloutier was a talented sportsman. He attended the University of California after being granted a scholarship for baseball and American football. Such was his talent with the pigskin that he even played in the Rose Bowl in 1959.

He dropped out of university because of financial difficulties and looked to the army for employment. He went on to play pro-football (for Canadian outfit Montreal Allouettes) before an injury forced him out of the game, he started a food company but that was not successful enough to keep afloat before he moved to the stable platform of an oil rig for work.

So far, it may have seemed as if the curse of Friday the 13th was playing its hand in Cloutier’s life. However, after picking up the basics of poker in the army, he developed his skills during the lonely nights on the rigs and was soon earning more money at the card table than he was in his monthly paycheque.

Common sense prevailed and he soon packed in his day job for a life in poker. The decision has paid off handsomely; as well as the prestigious titles he has earned, Cloutier has also collected almost $9million from tournament play.

His expertise in poker has also been recognised by Cardoza publishers (who have commissioned him to write four titles on various poker games and techniques) and Card Player Magazine (who he writes regular articles for). Cloutier grew up in Albany, California, presently lives in Richardson, Texas, with his wife Joy. Together the couple have six children.