James Hartigan: We picked this hand from 2009, it's European Poker Tour Kiev.
Both Vitali Tolokonnikov and Max Lykov are relative newcomers.
They're aiming for a seat at the final table at one of the biggest tournaments ever held
in the Ukraine.
James: This is Vitali Tolokonakov.
Daniel: He picks up a 6-7 off suit.
Well it looks like he is going to get involved.
You know one of the things I've noticed about a lot of the Russian players, sort of a theme,
is that they really mix it up well.
You know they play conservatively but every once in a while they just say okay I'm going
to make a move.
It's really difficult to play against players who randomise like that, and another one you're
looking at right here, Lykov, has done that rather well.
James: He is in the big blind and I don't think he's going to surrender it with king-9
of clubs.
Daniel: Now he's going to want to see a flop at this hand.
You know he could potentially re-raise, but it's, it is a suited hand.
You know one of the things that you worry about when you play king-9 is it when comes
king-jack-queen.
So you've got the king high straight but you have worry about the ace-king.
It's not a threat here, he's up against 6-7 off suit, but it often is and it's a dangerous
hand to play.
Okay well no players hit, so really comes down to who wants it more.
The most aggressive player is going to win this pot.
Lykov checks on over to Tolokonnikov, who bets with the 6-7.
You think he has to pretty much, it's the only way he can with the pot and Lykov, just
kind of glances over him, had a look-see if he thinks he's got anything and you know he's
making a call here with king-high.
This is pretty good.
Pretty good read so far on the hand.
Turn a 3, doesn't change too much.
Vitali now with the gut shot straight draw, he can catch a 5, of course a 6 or a 7 (over
talk) ...to win the pot James: Well Lykfoff has checked to him again
and a look, I think Vitali is going to bet again.
Daniel: We'll see, this is some really good poker here.
Er he, he's firing the second bullet at it, the question is, will Lykkoff make a call
once again with just king high.
You know it's a tough spot to make a call.
If the guy does have an ace, I mean you're drawing completely dead.
If he has a 4, of course you're dead, but will Lykkoff read through this second bullet,
from Tolokonnikov.
Now he's thinking about it.
What amazing play here.
He's just absolutely calling him down with king high!
King-9 high.
Tolokonnikov is probably going to think to himself, I've got to give up now don't I.
James: Well the river is a blank.
Lykkoff has checked again.
Is he going to fire a third and final time?
Is he going to try and steal it on the river?
Daniel: Well obviously we know the only way he can win the pot here, is with a bet.
The question is, will it even work?
We've seen Lykov make an amazing call on the flop, a better call on the turn.
You know he might be dialled in, he may have some sort of physical tell.
They've played a lot of poker against each other throughout the tournament.
He just may have a dead read on him and he's letting him bluff his chips off.
And it looks like he's going for it!
James: Vitali is counting out those chips.
Daniel: The pot over 250,000 already.
James: What's he going to make it?
A 160,000 and this is a tough decision for Lykov.
Daniel: Well; this is, fun, I am really enjoying this hand.
You're seeing 2 players play at a really-really high level.
Both players know, you know you've got nothing but so do you, you've got nothing too!
The question is, whose nothing it better?
Lykov obviously does have the best hand with king high, but it would be a very difficult
call, to call the bet on the flop, another one on the turn and then on the river.
But he really-really is suspicious here with king high.
Something in his gut is telling him, I don't know this guy has just got nothing.
Could be the call of the tournament, if he's able to make it.
Unbelievable!
James: He's made the call!
A terrific call on the flop.
A terrific call on the turn and he calls on the river with just king high.
That is the hand of the tournament.
10.03.46 Daniel: I'm speechless to be honest with you.
This is amazing.
Both players really just played the hand well.
Tolokonnikov pushed 3 times.
What are you supposed to do?
He figured the guy has got nothing, you're right, and he still calls you with king high.
No one's going to want to bluff that guy after that pot!
James: If that read leaves you speechless, tell us by clicking to register your vote
but make sure you tell your friends too.