RUNNER RUNNER at $250K Final Table (WSOP Hand Breakdown)

Upswing Poker Level-Up

HAND RECAP (6 handed, final table, 300K/600K blinds - 600K BB ante)

Ben Tollerene (55M chips) raises to 1.2M from UTG with J♣ T♦. Taylor von Kriegenbergh (22M chips) calls from the Button with K♠ K♥.

(Stack size notes: This is a battle between the top two stacks. There are two short stacked players with around 10 big blinds each.)

Flop K♣ 6♦ 3♥. Tollerene bets 900K. TVK calls.

Turn 9♥. Tollerene bets 1.7M. TVK calls.

River Q♦. Tollerene 2.8M. TVK raises to 8.8M. Tollerene moves all-in. TVK calls 9.3M more.

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Watch the full final table at https://www.pokergo.com/

Written Version of This Episode

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:30 Discussion of Tyler Von Kriegenbergh's Flat with Pocket Kings

04:29 Flop Analysis: Top Set vs. Air Ball

06:22 Turn Strategy: Straight Draw Development

08:19 River Decision: Nut Straight vs. Top Set

10:46 Evaluating the All-In and Call Scenarios

12:55 Final Thoughts on ICM Pressure and Strategy

14:34 Conclusion and Upswing Lab Promo

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Aaron Barone dissect an intense hand from the $250,000 Super High Roller tournament at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). With over $5 million on the line for the winner, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and this hand showcases the complexities and high-pressure decisions that define top-level poker. Mike and Aaron walk listeners through each stage of the hand, breaking down the moves and thought processes of the players involved to provide a comprehensive analysis.

The hand begins with Ben Tollerene, the overwhelming chip leader, raising under the gun with Jack-Ten offsuit, a decision influenced by his deep stack and ability to apply pressure on the shorter stacks at the table. The discussion moves to Tyler Von Kriegenbergh’s choice to flat-call with pocket Kings on the button, a move that sets the stage for a dynamic post-flop battle. Aaron explains why this call, rather than a three-bet, maximizes value by potentially inducing action from the blinds or allowing Tollerene to barrel into him with weaker hands.

Listeners will learn about the critical decision points as the board develops with a King-High flop, where Von Kriegenbergh flops top set against Tollerene's air. The hosts explore the nuances of continuation betting and sizing, discussing how Tollerene’s small bets keep his opponent’s range wide and how Von Kriegenbergh's flat calls are designed to trap and extract maximum value. As the hand progresses to the turn and river, the dynamics shift dramatically when Tollerene completes a nut straight, leading to a series of tough decisions for Von Kriegenbergh.

This poker strategy podcast delves into key concepts such as ICM pressure, stack size management, and the psychological aspects of making high-stakes decisions under intense scrutiny. Mike and Aaron also discuss alternative strategies, like potential check-raising lines and the merits of betting small versus large, depending on the situation.

Tune in to this episode of our poker strategy podcast for an in-depth look at how to navigate complex final table scenarios and improve your understanding of high-stakes tournament play. Whether you’re preparing for your next big tournament or simply enjoy learning from the pros, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to elevate your game.