did ricky hill hit 11 for 11

Daniel Parker

2 min read

·

24-02-2025

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Ricky Hill's incredible performance in the 1986 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event has become the stuff of poker legend. Many believe he achieved a seemingly impossible feat: hitting 11 consecutive all-in bets. But did he truly hit 11 for 11? Let's delve into the facts and separate truth from myth.

The Story of Ricky Hill's Run

The narrative surrounding Ricky Hill's 1986 WSOP performance is captivating. Stories circulated about him winning an astonishing eleven consecutive all-in hands, defying the odds and showcasing incredible luck and skill. This run catapulted him to victory, cementing his place in poker history. Images of him, seemingly unbeatable, became iconic.

However, the exact number of consecutive all-in wins remains debated. While the "11 for 11" story is widely known, verifying its accuracy presents challenges. Reliable, detailed records from that era are scarce. Many accounts rely on secondhand information and embellished retellings.

Eyewitness Accounts and the Lack of Definitive Proof

Finding definitive proof of the 11 consecutive all-in wins is difficult. Contemporary reports lack the granular detail needed to confirm the claim precisely. Eyewitnesses remember the incredible winning streak, but the exact number of consecutive all-in pots varies in their recollections. The absence of video recordings from that era further complicates verification.

This lack of concrete evidence doesn't necessarily discredit the story entirely. It highlights the challenges of verifying events from decades past, especially in a game like poker where many hands remain unrecorded.

The Probability of 11 Straight All-Ins

Let's explore the mathematical probability of such a feat. Assuming a roughly 50% chance of winning any given all-in hand (a simplification, as poker hand strength varies significantly), the probability of winning eleven consecutive all-in hands is incredibly low. The calculation is 0.5^11, resulting in a probability of approximately 0.000488%.

This incredibly low probability doesn't automatically disprove the story, but it does highlight the remarkable nature of the claim, even if the precise number might be slightly lower.

The Legacy of Ricky Hill: More Than Just a Streak

Regardless of whether he hit precisely 11 for 11, Ricky Hill’s 1986 WSOP Main Event victory remains a significant moment in poker history. His run, whether it was 11, 8, or even 5 consecutive all-in wins, demonstrated remarkable skill, nerve, and possibly a touch of unbelievable luck. This extraordinary performance solidified his legend as one of poker’s greatest players.

His performance fueled countless poker stories and continues to inspire players today. The exact details may remain somewhat elusive, but the impact of Ricky Hill's WSOP triumph remains undeniably powerful.

Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery

The precise number of consecutive all-in wins during Ricky Hill's 1986 WSOP run may remain a mystery. The legend of "11 for 11" captures the essence of an incredible poker performance, regardless of the exact number. The story itself serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and exciting nature of high-stakes poker. Ultimately, Ricky Hill's place in poker history is secure, even if the details of his legendary run remain slightly obscured by time.