Last issue we were looking at a Heartland Poker Tourney. Mike and Steve had just started heads-up play. The first hand Steve made a full house on the flop, but slow played it to the river, thus winning a big pot.
The next hand Mike had KQ and Steve had KT. A flop of QQ4 gave both players trips. Steve put Mike all-in, and when two rags came, Mike took the pot and the chip lead. However, Steve won the next three pots to regain the lead.
A critical hand developed when Steve raised with 7-6 suited and Mike called with Q-J. The flop was 6-5-3 and a 7 on the turn gave Steve two pair.
Mike made a seemingly fatal error when he bluffed all-in and was quickly called by Steve. After they turned their hands over, the announcer said, “We have a winner.” Then as a four was dealt on the river, he quickly added, “Unless there is four on river, giving us a split pot.” “Houdini ” Mike had escaped.
Mike took a few pots regaining a $300,000 chip lead. Then came a hand where Mike had a 7-5 and Steve had an 8-6. The flop was 6-5-4. The turn was a king and the river a seven. Mike went all-in with his two pair and was beaten by Steve’s straight. Mike had only 300K left to Steve’s 4.4 M.
Did Mike have any more tricks up his sleeve? Conclusion next time.
