The Old Guy’s Still Got It

There are few professional poker players I enjoy watching succeed more than Doyle Brunson.  In addition to clearly being one of the old-school legends of the pastime, I recently completed his autobiography, and was blown away at what a fascinating and entertaining life this man has led.  And considering the poker arena has recently been flooded with new school, young-guns, it’s satisfying to see The Godfather rake a few pots…

I was recently watching Poker After Dark, a hand between Doyle Brunson and Eli Elezra.  By the end of the hand, I was literally on my feet at the awesomeness of Brunson.  (This is what poker nerds like me do).

Phil Laak raised from the button with A-2 suited, and Brunson called with 5-5 from the small-blind.  Elezra also called from the big-blind with Q-2.  The flop came Q-5-3 with two spades.  Brunson checked.  Elezra bet $4,500 into a pot of nearly $8,000.  Laak immediately folded.  Brunson contemplated for a short moment, and check-raised to $16,500.  Elezra, without any hesitation, called.  It seems clear to me that this lack of hesitation cost Elezra thousands of dollars, as Brunson could easily narrow down his range of hands due to his over-eagerness.

The turn was another Queen.  Brunson thought for a few moments, and checked.  Elezra checked right behind him.

The river was an off-suit Jack.  Brunson once again considered his play, and checked again!  I was blown away!  And as I began contemplating his maneuver, I realize just how genius it was!  What could Elezra have, Brunson ponders.  He could have a busted flush draw, or a busted straight draw.  If this is the case, a bet is useless.  He wants to give Elezra the opportunity to try and buy the pot, as he certainly can’t call a wager.  What if Elezra has a small to medium Queen, as he does?  If Brunson bets out, Elezra is unlikely to raise him.  If Brunson checks, however, there is just no way Elezra can check behind him.  He has trip Queens!

So, Brunson checked, and Elezra bet $15,000.  Brunson check-raised to $75,000!  Wow, what a play!  It’s brilliant!  If Elezra has a busted draw, the hand is over and Brunson scoops an extra $15,000.  If, as turned out to be the case, Elezra has a Queen, Brunson’s huge check-raise looks very suspicious, particularly after a check on the turn.  Brunson needs to have the case Queen, or some sneaky full-house (as he does) to have Elezra beat, and the size of the river raise could easily have been an attempt at purchasing a pot with 10-high.

I salute you, Mr. Brunson!