During a break, I talked to Sammy about chopping the money and playing for the bracelet. He turned me down and suggested putting all the money together – first place and second place – and playing for the entire amount, winner takes all. I thought he was joking, but, nevertheless, my interpretation was that he thought he was a much better player than me.

I figured it was true. But I also figured that he would play small-ball and grind me down. He wanted to use skill to beat me. I wouldn’t allow that to happen. I had him out-chipped and planned on pressuring him if I thought he didn’t have a very good hand.Hammer drop

The opportunity came when I was dealt K♠-7♥.