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Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People: The Memoirs of the Greatest Gambler Who Ever Lived
If there's anything I'll argue about, I'll either bet on it or shut up. And since it's not becoming for a cowboy to be arguing, I've made a few wagers in my day. But in my humble opinion, I'm no hustler. You see, neighbor, I never go looking for a sucker. I look for a champion and make a sucker out of him." Amarillo Slim might be the greatest gambler who ever lived, but it's his down-home charm and folksy storytelling that have made him an American idol and media darling. Slim is a legend, as American as Paul Bunyan, Jesse James, and P.T. Barnum. In Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People, T.A. "Amarillo Slim" Preston will tell the tall tales of his fascinating life. Slim will describe some of his greatest gambling exploits -- from winning the World Series of Poker to creating extraordinary proposition bets to running the biggest black market in Europe during the war while giving pool exhibitions ( hustling) on military bases for Uncle Sam. Among others, Slim beat Willie Nelson for $300,000 playing dominoes; Larry Flynt for $2 million playing poker. He has played poker with presidents Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon, and drug lords Pablo Escobar and Jimmy Chagra. He was also one of the pioneers of Las Vegas. Plain and simple, Amarillo Slim is America's greatest gambler of all time.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
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332 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 31, 2021
INSANE gambling stories from the king of gambling himself. Prop bets to poker to pool hustling, it's all covered here. Truly some amazing stories that were absolutely MARRED by looking up the guy and the charges put against him a year after this book was released. Still a fascinating book with a slightly now disturbing edge.
March 29, 2020
Yes, there was the poker boom that catapulted the poker scene into a mainstream event but lets face it; without Amarillo Slim, poker would not be what it is today. Along with Doyle Brunson and a slew of other outlaw gamblers, they brought the game of Texas Hold 'em to Vegas where the very first World Series of Poker was held at Binion's Horseshoe.
A ruthless gambler, an unstoppable poker player, and arguable the greatest proposition better of all time. This is his story, and its a crazy one!
A ruthless gambler, an unstoppable poker player, and arguable the greatest proposition better of all time. This is his story, and its a crazy one!
August 26, 2023
I'm a man of integrity, goddamn it!
My reading of this book was sort of waylaid near the end when I got to wondering if Slim might still be alive and looked him up. Answer was no--he died in April 2012 at age 83. The waylaying part, though, was that in reading of his death, I also stumbled across the truly weird news that roughly two months before this book was published in May 2003, he was accused of child molestation, and three months after publication a grand jury in Amarillo (Randall County) indicted Slim on multiple accounts of indecency with a child--one of his granddaughters, specifically. Felony charges were later dropped, and Slim eventually agreed to plead "no contest" to misdemeanor assault charges to "protect" his family. Now, there's no way hearing of that didn't shape my perceptions from there on out, but I do know what I was already thinking up to that point, which was that Slim was definitely a colorful character but also full of shit. His hayseed turns of phrase are picturesque throughout ("licking his chops like a dog at a luau," "things went as smooth as a spanked baby's ass," "running his mouth like an outboard motor on a fishing boat"), but, even with a co-author who'd already written several other books, you're also left with some pretty unfortunate instances of bad grammar ("Sailor didn't say nothing," "and it don't matter either way," "not that I had any intention of going sightseeing or nothing"). He twice boasts of never having had to diagram a sentence, and the results of that show up a little too often. What gets a little worn pretty early on is the constant addressing of the reader as "neighbor," "partner," and the like, as well as his constant references to himself in the third person ("I really felt like it was curtains for old Slim"). The book's subhead lets you know right away the dude's full himself, but what becomes increasingly apparent is that he talks out both sides of his mouth--with a lot of bluster. He regularly refers to others as cheats and says how he hates hypocrites, but he's already described in detail how he once rigged the GI World Series, created and profited from counterfeit ration cards, and "short-sheeted" a friend to get his girl, among many other swindles. One section title is "Booking Sports by Playing Into the Stupidity of the Public," which is very much Slim's take on just about everybody outside of his family and circle of friends--"suckers" pretty much all. It seems he spent his whole life constantly looking for the next gimmick and convincing himself that those he's swindled deserved everything they got (or didn't get, as was more the case). He presents himself mostly as good ol' boy who happens to be sharper than just about everybody, but he does at times come across as a pretty mean cuss as well, with regular sentiments such as, "I never did want to just beat someone; I wanted to break the sonofabitch." Clearly, his mixture of charm, ruthlessness, and con artistry served him well in the world of poker, and it's undeniably entertaining "listening" to most of his tall tales, each one seemingly more outlandish than the last, as well as his encounters with all manner of celebrities and extremely notable politicians along the way. If even most of the adventures he relates in the book are to be believed, Slim led a bountiful and fascinating life, but the episode that seemingly coincided with this memoir's publication must've surely made his remaining nine years a different story altogether. Makes the book's dedication ("to my seven grandbabies") sort of haunting, too.
First line:
"If there's anything worth arguing about, I'll either bet on it or shut up."
February 13, 2019
What a pleasant surprise of a book! I got it as a gift from my son and thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn't even have told you Amarillo Slim was a real person, but he's real enough! Written in a loose, conversational style, it is a quick, easy read full of amazing anecdotes. He was the kind of man who would bet on anything (but usually had a gimmick or research done to make sure he'd win).
He was around at the early days of Vegas, before the strip and even had a hand (no pun intended :) in starting the World Poker Championship competitions. Though he started out as a pool hustler as a teenager, he became famous as a poker player and gambler extraordinaire. Sprinkled throughout with names of famous people he met and gambled with almost makes me wonder how one person could have accomplished all that!
One of my main reading goals this year was to read more non-fiction - this book was truly a fun addition!
He was around at the early days of Vegas, before the strip and even had a hand (no pun intended :) in starting the World Poker Championship competitions. Though he started out as a pool hustler as a teenager, he became famous as a poker player and gambler extraordinaire. Sprinkled throughout with names of famous people he met and gambled with almost makes me wonder how one person could have accomplished all that!
One of my main reading goals this year was to read more non-fiction - this book was truly a fun addition!
October 24, 2017
A great autobiography with plenty of fascinating stories!
January 23, 2019
I am not good at poker or Gambling in general but this book is a great lesson in proposition betting. Plus the Texas expressions are just hilarious.
January 28, 2019
Interesting and well written. I've read a few books about gamblers. This was well written and seemed to be honest. The story is interesting and provides a good balance of gambling and human interest.
October 11, 2020
Amarillo Slim was an arrogant, obsessive SOB and I would not have liked him. However, he lead an interesting life and the book is an easy read.
June 29, 2021
Great Stories from an amazing Texan!
Well written and it is a very easy read from start to finish.
Well written and it is a very easy read from start to finish.
November 18, 2022
Excellent book
August 30, 2023
Easy breezy read. Reinforces my belief that great punters/gamblers are a little mad up there.
September 7, 2023
Interesting biography about the champion of the 1972 WSOP Main Event. You can read entertaining gambling stories and his personal life.
Want to read
January 25, 2024Per Mick Ayres (1.25.2024)
June 8, 2024
Great story and an easy read. I'd recommend this if you're into gambling, competition, or social engineering. O
July 6, 2025
Author was pretty high on himself-interesting but comes across as an asshole
July 25, 2023
I love good gambling stories and he’s got some of the all-time best. Stuffed full of gambling hustling stories and poker history, it was right in my wheelhouse and I ate it up.
January 22, 2014
Like the subtitle says, neighbor, “the memoirs of the greatest gambler who ever lived.” Written in a deliberately corn-pone, down-home “Texas” style, this book tells the stories behind Slim’s trials and escapades, his flirtations with danger and his obsession with fleecing suckers. Slim plays the hick, but he’s obviously an athlete and a jack of all trades: pool hustler (beating Minnesota Fats), Ping-Pong hustler, poker champ, runner and rafter – he’s done it all and won bets doing it.
The unifying factor, of course, is that Slim has always figured out an edge: playing with Coke bottles or bringing a football to a basketball free-throw contest (you’d think that the bettors would wise up and stop allowing Slim to bring his own equipment). Some might call this poor gamesmanship to the point of cheating, but then, Slim’s marks often seem to have enjoyed being taken by the master. Approve of his tactics or not, however, you have to agree that Slim has survived by using his brains, getting out of bookmaking when it became a felony for example. Through the memoir, Slim tells his stories in an affable tone, but he keeps his cards close to his chest, and the reader might be left at the end wondering if this is another Slim hustle – we got sold the media-friendly story without any of the really juicy bits, like his run-ins with the IRS or bets Slim’s lost, or a particularly seedy episode in his long career. So in all, a fun read, but possibly not the best look at Slim’s life.
The unifying factor, of course, is that Slim has always figured out an edge: playing with Coke bottles or bringing a football to a basketball free-throw contest (you’d think that the bettors would wise up and stop allowing Slim to bring his own equipment). Some might call this poor gamesmanship to the point of cheating, but then, Slim’s marks often seem to have enjoyed being taken by the master. Approve of his tactics or not, however, you have to agree that Slim has survived by using his brains, getting out of bookmaking when it became a felony for example. Through the memoir, Slim tells his stories in an affable tone, but he keeps his cards close to his chest, and the reader might be left at the end wondering if this is another Slim hustle – we got sold the media-friendly story without any of the really juicy bits, like his run-ins with the IRS or bets Slim’s lost, or a particularly seedy episode in his long career. So in all, a fun read, but possibly not the best look at Slim’s life.
August 18, 2014
This book is funny as hell! I expected it to be interesting, but I wasn't expecting to laugh quite as much as I did. And based on everything I read, it was cosmically obvious that Amarillo Slim is damn near a genius. Or maybe just well above average, and near genius level in emotional intelligence. Certainly one or the other. Because some of the things that happen in this novel, like him moving contraband during the war, I know smart people who would never be able to pull that off and emotionally intelligent people who wouldn't have the brains to think of it.
It's a book filled with great stories. It REALLY helps though if you understand the rules of poker. That would make the book 2x as enjoyable. Because Slim doesn't explain the rules as the poker related stories unfold, nor should he. He wrote the book, and for that I am very glad.
I am certain, that no matter what your opinions of gamblers in general, everyone could relate to or learn from Slim.
It's a book filled with great stories. It REALLY helps though if you understand the rules of poker. That would make the book 2x as enjoyable. Because Slim doesn't explain the rules as the poker related stories unfold, nor should he. He wrote the book, and for that I am very glad.
I am certain, that no matter what your opinions of gamblers in general, everyone could relate to or learn from Slim.
February 23, 2009
This book is an easy read. It is full of entertaining stories about the life of Amarillo Slim. Many have not heard his name, but every big shot in Vegas has and he is considered a living legend in Nevada. He was a gambler directly involved with Las Vegas and its becoming the premier city for entertainment in the world. He was also born in Northwest Arkansas and many of his stories took place there and in Hot Springs. The most interesting thing in the book is the history of poker becoming so enormous as it is today. Poker on TV takes primetime slots on ESPN and is among its most viewed programs. Slim was one of the fore fathers of this. You also become familiar with a few famous gamblers that you have probably heard of but don't know anything about such as Minnesota Fats, Doyle Brunson, and Jimmy the Greek. Slim is definately someone that I could hang out with.
September 17, 2012
Great (assisted) autobiography of the Legendary Amarillo Slim; a compendium of the "best of" hustles of a true Texas gentleman.
Every page of this book was enjoyable, I laughed out loud in some parts, this is a great example of a life well lived.
Prior to this book, I only knew of Amarillo Slim as a poker champion, but now I better understand him to be an all-round super-hustler, pool shark and proposition bettor; which really makes him all the more compelling.
This cat's book is a great slice of American oral history!
check it out...
Every page of this book was enjoyable, I laughed out loud in some parts, this is a great example of a life well lived.
Prior to this book, I only knew of Amarillo Slim as a poker champion, but now I better understand him to be an all-round super-hustler, pool shark and proposition bettor; which really makes him all the more compelling.
This cat's book is a great slice of American oral history!
check it out...
May 25, 2013
I enjoyed the first half of this book. Interesting history of this Gambler.
But after about half way, I became bored with how he kept beating his opponents over and over. Out of this man's life, your telling me he had one incident where he didn't come out on top? And even then he didn't lose everything.
I know this is supposed to be his autobiography, but I think the guy helping him write this should of stepped in and added some more trying times.
Certainly glad I found this on a bargain website.
But after about half way, I became bored with how he kept beating his opponents over and over. Out of this man's life, your telling me he had one incident where he didn't come out on top? And even then he didn't lose everything.
I know this is supposed to be his autobiography, but I think the guy helping him write this should of stepped in and added some more trying times.
Certainly glad I found this on a bargain website.
Read
May 3, 2007Here, the greatest proposition gambler of all time tells of some of the greatest victories (and worst beats) of his incredible life. My friend Beth would patiently sit while I retold Slim stories I had heard for years. When I went to Houston in 2003 for surgery, Beth called Slim in Amarillo to see if he would visit me in the hospital. She didn’t know the two cities were over 1000 miles apart. I’ll always appreciate her effort and I will always love this book.
July 24, 2008
I just really got into this book and could not put it down. How can a guy beat someone at a game of pool using a broom stick? Or how can he ( Amarillo Slim), challenge someone to a ping pong game and beat them using a frying pan? It was very entertaining by one of the greatest gamblers to ever live. It also provides a interesting backstory in how he served in the armed services and how he supported his family with this type of lifestyle.
September 11, 2008
Out of my reading group, I am the only one who didn't give it 5 stars. T Boone Pickens, JJ Pickle and Colonel Apricot all loved it and T Boone even said "That galoot is pretty god dang funny" and Pickle mentioned, "That Slim sure is a character that could only be cut out of Texas" I found the Texas idioms a little too thick. I got kinda aggervated with all the catty whompus. and who does he think he is taking Willie's money?
November 17, 2009
I got hold of a copy of this book after reading a review in the Times. It was a colourful and descriptive biography of Thomas Preston. I enjoyed the way the book was written as I could clearly picture his speak from the phrases, such as 'Tighter than a nun's doo-dah'.
I don't know if it is still possible to have this kind of life but he is certainly a character and a very intelligent one at that. I wouldn't pass up the chance to go 'heads up' with Slim.
I don't know if it is still possible to have this kind of life but he is certainly a character and a very intelligent one at that. I wouldn't pass up the chance to go 'heads up' with Slim.
May 16, 2011
Amarillo slim is a biography about a professional gambler who started out pool hustling then went up to play ping-pong with random objects such as a skillet and a coca-cola bottle. one time he bet he could go down the river of no return in the winter and i believe he won that bet. but through out his life time he has lost about 3 million dollars. but he is not sure how much he has won it is to much.
August 30, 2014
Amarillo Slim is a character from another generation, and it comes across in his style and pace. I'm pretty sure I read most of this book in my best approximation of my grandfather's Okie drawl (sorry, Slim), just to add to the experience.
Preston does a nice job presenting discreet stories, and the book has an expected progression as he meets and marries a gal, and then has a family. It's a delightful return, for me, to some of the flavor of the south.
Preston does a nice job presenting discreet stories, and the book has an expected progression as he meets and marries a gal, and then has a family. It's a delightful return, for me, to some of the flavor of the south.
February 24, 2012
Hilarious! Wonderful book that reminds me of my grandfather and great uncle's younger days and the stories they would tell. Slim is a veritable caltrop in every situation; knowing his abilities only slightly better than he knows the human condition and the appeal of a bet. This is a laugh-out-loud book that substitutes nicely when there isn't an old relative around to entertain by a campfire.
September 16, 2007
a great fun read for anyone interested in gambling. Learn about the greatest prop better of all time in interesting tale of triumph, like how he beat the world champion in ping pong using a frying pan as a paddle
January 19, 2008
He could have been CIA or who knows what for the government but he decided to use his math whiz-ness to swindle Evil Knievel out of money on bets he couldn't lose, poker, pool, and publicity stunts. Really fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews