A Hand Matchup From the 2009 Bellagio Cup V
Erik Seidel	Win Pre-Flop	Win Post-Flop	Win Post-Turn
Starting Stack: 1,255,000	33.59 %	46.06 %	27.27 %
Justin Smith	Win Pre-Flop	Win Post-Flop	Win Post-Turn
Starting Stack: 1,575,000	64.33 %	53.03 %	72.73 %	Winner!

Posted On: Aug 04, 2009

Outcome

Final table, six-handed, with the blinds at 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 ante, Smith raised to 145,000 from the cutoff seat, Seidel called in the big blind. On the flop, Seidel checked, Smith bet 225,000, Seidel check-raised all in, Smith called.

Analysis

Seidel defended with his suited king and flopped a four-flush along with two overcards to the board. Seidel might have anticipated an automatic continuation-bet from the preflop raiser, and sprung an all-in check-raise with his draw once Smith bet the flop. Usually Seidel’s play would get the fold, but Smith held an overpair and immediately called. Seidel had 12 outs, but bricked out on the turn and river, finishing in sixth, for $164,640. Smith nearly doubled up and put himself in second place among a tight pack that was trailing chip leader Faraz Jaka. Seidel’s check-raise semi-bluff play didn’t work this time, but the play has a high expected value against a likely continuation-bettor. Seidel gets the fold or hits enough of the time to make the play quite profitable over time.