Fortune Favors The Brave

There were five of us left. The pay scale on the ladder was getting steeper. With a bit of luck I was able to make it this far in the tournament but I also trusted my gut in key situations too.

Amongst the other four players at this final table, there was only one that was a challenge. He was the only player that wasn't afraid to make a move this late in the game. I knew that if I could somehow knock this player out, I would most likely win the tournament.

Eventually I got involved in a pivotal hand with him that ultimately determined my fate. The first two players folded and I looked at my cards to find nine-ten of hearts. I raised hoping the last two players would fold but my nemesis called.

The flop brought Ace-Nine-Deuce with two clubs. My nemesis checked and I bet half the pot. He quickly called and the turn brought the Six of spades. We both checked and then the river brought the Jack of clubs.

“All in” announced my opponent. Did he have it or was he bluffing? I couldn’t get a read on him. He had a catatonic stare off into nowhere while I studied him. Would he really make a huge bet if he had a good hand?

It took me a minute before announcing “Call”. He reluctantly turned over six-seven of diamonds and to my relief, my pair of nines won the hand.