If you are sitting at home reading this article, chances are you’re just like me – you can’t get enough of online poker. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of the game or you’re trying to make a living, playing online offers several distinct advantages over the “live” game. The online game is a faster game, which essentially means more and potentially larger pots and more risks per hour than a standard B&M (brick and mortar) game. When you see a larger volume of hands, chances are that during each session you play, you are bound to see something that leaves you speechless, shaking your head, mystified, or (shudder at the thought) having to re-buy. In this column, each week we will take a look at a different hand that fits the previously mentioned criteria. My involvement in the hand notwithstanding, I will try to remain as impartial as possible, and for the hands that I didn’t win, I will keep my bitterness to a minimum. (At least, this is my intent)

Ordinarily in this space, I tell about a recent hand I was involved in. Last time, I discussed 3 hands which occurred in a multi-player tournament I recently won. We started out with 53 players and the buy in was $100. Today, I will discuss 3 hands that occurred at the final stages of the tournament.

Blinds - $300/$600 with $50 ante– 12 players remaining This hand really seemed to push e on my way. I was in middle position with the As-9s. I called the big blind as did 2 others. The Flop was 8s-4s-Ah, which was just about one of the prettiest flops you’ll ever see. I had top pair and the nut flush draw. I made a small bet and was raised. I felt this guy was on a flush draw and was hoping to get a free card. I would be more than happy to oblige him to trap. We both had identical stacks so this was a pivotal hand for us. The Turn was the 9d giving me two pair and a bigger stranglehold on this hand. I checked and he checked behind me. There was now no doubt in my mind whatsoever that he was on a flush draw. I really hoped it would hit. Then came the River and BANG! It was the 2s. I now had the nuts. I checked and my opponent proudly said the words I wanted to hear. “I’m all in and he pushes in $15,000 in chips.” I called so fast he must have been shocked. He had Ks-Qs. Poor guy, he had the 2nd nuts and was now on the rail. I was in great position to go for the win.

Blinds - $500/$1000 with $100 ante- 8 players remaining I was in the Big Blind and looked down to see the 10s-2s, in other words, the hand Doyle Brunson won two world series titles with. It was folded around to the button who had been routinely raising my Blinds all night long. I didn’t believe for a second that he had goods hands every single time he was on the button. He didn’t disappoint, he raised to $2000 to go. I called instantly. Why? Because I really believed I could outplay him. Plus I had 4 times the amount of chips he had. The flop came 8h-9c-2d. I checked and he bet $4000. I called. There was no way on earth that flop helped him. The Turn was the 3d. He bet $6000 and without hesitation, I announced all in and put him to the test. He agonized and agonized. Finally he called and he showed Ah-10s. He was drawing to exactly 4 outs and the river blanked off and I eliminated him in 7th place, giving me a huge chip advantage. Someone asked how I could put him all in with a pair of 2’s. All I said simply was “I knew I had the best hand.” Needless to say, I now had seized control of the table and no one seemed to be in much of a hurry to tangle with me.

Blinds - $1200/$2400 with $300 ante – Heads Up Finally, it was the moment of truth. We were heads up and I held a 4 to 1 chip lead over my opponent and I absolutely thrive heads up. I am selectively aggressive and don’t make too many mistakes. My adrenaline was pumping and the top prize was within grasp. After 5 hands, I looked down to see pocket 8’s. Heads up, any pocket pair is golden. I raised to have of my opponents stack and he thought and moved all-in. I called and we showed our cards. He had A-Q offsuit so I was a slight favorite heading into the flop. The crowd around the table was anxious with excitement. The Flop came and it was A-5-2. Ouch. I was now behind and endanger of having my lead collapse. I needed an 8 and only an 8 to win this tournament. Then it happened. The Turn was a beautiful 8 and I had the hand won. The River was irrelevant as he was drawing dead and I won the biggest live tournament of my young poker career. After tipping the dealers I netted just over $2000 and I was riding high. I can’t wait to play in the next tournament, this time as defending champ!

Until next time, may the chips fall your way.

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