James Keys just made a big re-raise of Kerry Taylor's initial raise. After some thought Taylor called...
He flipped over 8-8 and the look of horror written across James' face told the story before his cards were even turned over...
"7-7" someone asked, and indeed James turned over 7-7. The pot was in the region of 50k, a biggie at this late stage of the day...
5-Q-9 came the harmless looking flop.
BUT a 7 on the turn drew a sharp intake of breath from the watching rail, before a solitary blank 2 on the river concluded the hand and gifted the pot to James.
James raised his hand as a gesture of apology to Kerry, who just raised his eyebrows, shook his head, picked up his coat and left the arena 2 minutes before play was due to terminate.
"Sick hand...SICK" commented one of his tablemates rather obviously and James did his best maintain an outward visage of embarrassment at his good fortune whereas in fact his head was filled with this...
Fair enough. All of us who play poker have been both sides of this metaphorical fence. We've been sucked out on royally for a crucial pot and felt like the damned, or have won a crucial pot at a crucial stage and felt like we were blessed and if we cut ourselves, liquid gold, bejeweled with fine cut diamonds would pour out.
It's why we play the game surely!