Unlike Kenny Rogers' song The Gambler, David Vintson wasn't ready to fold 'em, and he certainly wasn't about to walk away.

Mr. Vintson, 38, had a massive heart attack four weeks ago, but that didn't keep him away from the poker table.

The Martinez resident was back in tournament play four days after twice being revived from death at Doctors Hospital. Before and after his July 28 heart attack, he has played frequently as part of the Amateur Poker League at The Dawg House Sports Bar and Grill on Washington Road. Games aren't played for money, but instead for practice and tournament qualifying, he said.

"It's addictive," he said with a chuckle. "...I guess I'm just a sucker for punishment."

Since then, good luck has been in the cards for Mr. Vintson as he recently won a regional poker championship and is now headed to a national tournament in Orlando, Fla.

"I beat 40 of the top players in the state to get to that title," he said.

His hope is to qualify for a World Series of Poker main event, which could mean millions of dollars for the winner.

Just four weeks ago, the hand Mr. Vintson was dealt didn't look so good. He had just returned from a family vacation in Orlando. He said he had experienced chest pains before, but doctors had told him it wasn't a heart attack. On July 28, though, it was obvious he had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

"I died on the table twice," said Mr. Vintson, who works at Tire Town on Gordon Highway. "I've recouped somewhat from that."

Part of that recovery involves getting rid of some other addictions.

"Smoking is my worst thing I do," he said. "I do smoke a little still, but not near as much as I did."

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com