During the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event final table the November Nine were in fine form, with incredible hands falling left and right. In this particular hand one NY chess player showed that he had mastered the nuances of poker as well as he had the game of chess by making an insanely great fold.
In this hand were the Russian power house pro Ivan Demidov and the New Yorker, Ylon Schwartz, both angling to take charge, with Ylon holding the chip lead at the start of the hand. Ivan started things off with:
and raised it up to $1 million in tourney chips. Ylon was the only one who wanted to play, calling from the big blind at a discount with:
The Flop hit:
and just like that both players had a flush draw, but Ylon was in very bad shape. If he made the flush he would be dead behind the Russian, but with the second nut flush he would certainly go broke chasing it. Both players checked their draws.
The Turn came:
and just like that both players made their flush. Ylon was first to act, and he lead out with $1 million. Ivan chose not to smooth call but rather raised it to $2.65 million, and Ylon called behind.
The River card was the:
and Ylon, perhaps sensing something from Ivan, checked. Ivan bet just over $4 million and Ylon went into the tank., While the commentators were just talking about how he may go broke, Ylon folded! He somehow picked up that he was beat and followed his instincts, remaining the chip leader.
