Event 1 (Flight 1A): Sometimes You Just Have To Ask Politely

2017 "Battles At The Beach"

Event 1 ($175 No Limit Hold'em $125,000 GTD)

Level 11 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)

Total Flight 1A Entries: 107

John Vidal (Pompano Beach, FL)

The lap around the tournament area was about to yield updated chip counts, but we encountered a big hand in progress, so attention was shifted.  At Table 8, Phil S. opened the action with a raise to 2,500, with John Vidal flatting behind from the small blind.  The player in the big blind then three-bet shoved for just over 23,000, leaving action back on Phil.  Phil, who was just featured winning a sizable pot, also announced that he was all-in (having both players covered).  

Vidal was playing an effective stack of 83,000, and after just a few moments of thought, verbalized a call.  The hands were tabled, with both Vidal and the player in the big blind at risk:

Phil: Q♠ Q♦

Vidal: K♠ K♣

Player X: J♦ J♣

Runout: J♠ A♣ 3♣ 5♠ K♥

The jack was right in the window, leaving Vidal shaking his head in disgust.  Just as the dealer dropped the 5♠ on the turn, John asked aloud, "How about a king on the river please?"  His kindly stated request was granted, as he celebrated the K♥ on the river.  The dealer would count out his all-in, which was 79,200, and Phil sent that amount Vidal's way.  John is now the Flight 1A chip leader, sitting with just over 195,000.