It’s Not Always in the Cards
The 2009 Worlds Series of Poker Tournament of Champions was an invitational contest open to former Main Even winners. When the contest got down to a final table that included poker online stars such as Doyle Brunson, Phil Helmuth, Carlos Mortensen and Dan Harrington, a very interesting hand developed that proved how aggression and psychology, rather than the cards, can rule the outcome. Two poker players, Mortensen and Tom McEvoy, were both dealt pocket tens. All the other poker players folded, so the two were heads-up with basically the same hand. The only way one hand could beat the other was if four to a suit came out matching one player’s 10. But that unlikely occurrence did not happen. The only other way for one player to dominate the other in this situation is through the psychological tactic of aggressive betting.
The flop had all rag cards below ten, with two 6s on board. McEvoy bet out, and Mortensen called. The flop brought a brick worthless to each player. They both checked. On the river, both hands were still tied for a split pot. McEvoy made an aggressive bet, which caused Mortensen to think long and hard before folding his pocket tens. McEvoy’s action clearly demonstrated that the player who initiates the aggressive bet can take charge of the action and force a strong opponent, holding virtually the same hand, to fold.
