19
Erik Makes a Move
Erik started today’s final table playing at a pace that was noticeably different than everyone else at the table. The first hands started with the chip leader, Michael “the Greek” Chrisanthopoulos seemingly making a statement. The Greek, started the day with nearly 7 Million, while the next biggest stack was just under 2 Million. The Greek re-raised from the blinds on the first hand and raised on the button in the second hand.
The fireworks continued over the next several hands, with a number of raises and re-raises. But Erik clearly decided to take a different approach. He laid down one hand to Peter Ling’s re-raise, saying, somewhat jokingly, that it was “the biggest laydown of my life.”
In another interesting hand, Peter Mobbs raised in early position and Erik called on the button. Alexander Kostritsyn, an aggressive and respected Russian, re-raised from the blind; Mobbs popped it once again. Erik actually thought about it for a while before folding. The two remaining players showed AJ and AK, with Kostritsyn’s AK holding up to eliminate Mobbs. Erik commented that he had both of them beat. I’m guessing he had something like 9s.
Seidel’s patience (and immense skill) was soon rewarded. He raised from the button and was called by both blinds. The flop came J-6-4. The small blind checked, and the big blind, Kostritsyn, bet out 135k. Seidel called, and the small blind, Nino Marotta, check-raised to 325; Erik called. They were all in on the turn and Erik’s set of 4s bested Marotta’s Aces, which he slow-played preflop.
Erik picked up another big pot a short time later. Erik raised to 70,000 and Christhanopoulos called in position. The flop came J-T-7, and both players checked. They both checked the 2s turn. Then the river paired the Jack and Seidel bet out 150,000, Chrisanthopoulos raised to 375,000. Seidel didn’t hesitate before calling. Chrisanthopoulos said simply “nice call” and tossed his cards into the muck. Erik never showed his cards.
Erik’s stack is now approaching 3 Million. This is shaping up to be an excellent and exciting final table.
