When respect can pay off
12-05-2006
Gregg “Bunky” Williams
I was playing at the Borgata Main game 5-10 NL. I've been winning a couple pots on the flop with pot sized bets, and the only 2 hands Ive shown down were top set (rivered FH) and a flopped straight flush that I bet and they all fold and I showed. So even though the table is loose, they are afraid of me and any move I make at the pot.
The guy in the 2 seat is getting insane. He is starting to open to 110 every other hand and he has about 2400 in front of him. I pick up 99 UTG and limp in for $10.00 waiting for the 2 seat to make a play. Folded to the 2 seat who thinks , looks at me and folds, folded to the button who calls with about 1200 behind. Sb folds and BB makes it 40 to go. I call as does the button.
Pot $125.00
Flop 7h 6s 2c
BB bets $100.00 which is his standard continuation bet and I don't put a lot of stock in it. He bets it pretty forcefully and I'm quite certain my 99 is good, but its time to get some value and at the same time find out if I'm good. Along with the respect that I have I really don't mind picking up $225 here without a fight.
I announce raise and put out the $100.00 and slowly slide out an additional $150.00. Button now goes into the tank. He's not faking either , he has a decision to make. I decide to sell it a bit and lean back in the chair, drink my tea with honey and watch the rutgers game. He still thinks. A guy falls asleep at the table behind us and a conversation strikes up about it and I contribute to the conversation. He finally folds after about 2 minutes. I never called a clock. The BB stands up, grabs his chips and goes "you ready?"
My response " They're your chips, its up to you."
He folds.
The button goes, "Show me one time!"
Since I'm about ready to go in about 20 minutes, I say, "alright, one time"
I show the nines and he starts berating himself. Folded 76.
His buddy down the other end of the table says "that's it, way to own his ass"
He later said, I had to put you on a set. You've shown 2 hands all night and that has been top set and straight flush!! You played it just like a set!
Yep, sure did. Helps when you have a hand that can be vulnerable that you can portray a bit more strength by thinking , "how would I play a set here?"
Worked this time due to the respect I had, it won't work every time though.
