NBC National Heads-Up Championship - Better Kicker Means More Chips

  When two poker players have the same hand, such as a pair of aces, how do you know who wins? Unless you are using some home game rules, it isn't by the suit, as many think, but rather who has the highest card after the pair. This card is called the kicker, and the kicker determines the winner more often than you might think, even in a pro level game. During NBC's National Heads-Up Poker Championship there was a great example during round one, when movie star and new poker pro Shannon Elizabeth played versus Andy Bloch.  Bloch is a numbers guy, coming as he does from his time as part of the infamous MIT blackjack team, so he was a clear favorite - but things can go both ways when playing heads up No Limit Texas Holdem poker. In this hand Andy acted first holding: ... and he raised it to $1,200. Shannon called holding Apple Jacks: ... and it was off to the flop. The flop hit: ... and both players checked their options. The turn came: ... a bad card for Andy, who was going to think he was ahead with middle pair. When Shannon bet out $1,500 Andy called, and it was time for the river. The river hit: ... and Shannon checked. This time Andy bet, putting out $2,000, and Shannon naturally called. Thanks to her better kicker she took home the pot.