Which English King Died With a Red-Hot Poker?

King Edward III was known for his fiery temper and even hotter poker game skills. In September 1327, while playing in a tournament at the royal palace of Calais, he lost a particularly heated hand of poker to the Duke of Lancaster. Undeterred, the king challenged the duke to a rematch, but this time with real stakes – a valuable ruby ring as the prize. Unfortunately for Edward, Lancaster was not to be outdone and bet all of his inheritance on the game.

The king lost and was forced to pawn his crown jewels to repay his opponent. Furious and humiliated, Edward demanded that Lancaster be punished, but the duke simply laughed and left the court. The king’s death three years later is generally believed to have been caused by a heart attack brought on by his losses at poker.

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