Aussie Millions:An Aussie Memory

Posted by jgreenspan | Filed under Uncategorized

I’m home now, back in Brooklyn. The Aussie Millions trip is over, and it’s time for me to conclude my blogging of the trip. For this final post, I thought of writing something sentimental — talking about the great people I met and the great times we had. But that didn’t seem quite right. We’re all poker geeks, after all, so why not close with an interesting poker story.

But before I get to this brief tale, I’d like to say that I loved this trip. I’m thankful to the Full Tilt staff for sending me to Australia. I’m hopeful that I’ll see many of the qualifiers down the road. Anyone who wants to stay in touch can email me at ask_aussie_millions@yahoo.com.

Now for that poker story.

I was in the media room watching on a monitor as Gus Hansen and Jimmy Fricke battle heads-up for the championship and the $1.5 Million first prize. Most of the poker media are players as well, and we often discuss players’ potential holdings during a hand. We can’t see the hole cards, so this makes for some interesting conversation.

After an hour or so of play, a big hand developed between the final two players. With blinds of 50k and 100k, Gus raised to 300k on the button, and Fricke called. At the start of the hand, Gus had roughly 3.9 Million in chips; Fricke had just under 11 Million.

The flop came A-K-7, and Fricke checked. Gus bet 350k and Fricke called. The turn was an 8, and Fricke checked again. This time, Gus moved in for 3.1 Million — a vast overbet of the pot. Fricke went into the tank. The conversation as to their likely holdings was about to start.

“He has a raggy Ace, by the way.”

This appraisal was offered by a very familiar voice. I turned to see that Howard Lederer had entered the room. I looked at him, and perhaps my skepticism of his analysis showed on my face. I couldn’t figure out why it had to be a raggy Ace. I believed that Gus was strong. I didn’t think he’d bluff in this spot, but couldn’t he have a strong Ace or even 2-pair.

“That’s the only thing that explains it,” Howard said. “He has the Ace and he’s trying to get Fricke to call with a King.”

I turned back to the monitor, and watched as Fricke eventually called. Gus showed A-2, and Fricke turned over K-Q.

This hand propelled Gus to the championship. It gave him control that he never relinquished.

Gus had played Jimmy perfectly, and Howard had read Gus’s play of Jimmy just as perfectly.

It was an inspiring display all around. I left Australia eager to play and learn and hone my skills.

See you at the tables.

-j

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