A Hand Matchup From The 2009 UltimateBet Aruba Poker Classic
Eric Baldwin	Win Pre-Flop	Win Post-Flop	Win Post-Turn
Starting Stack: 1,385,000	19.49%	91.41%	95.45%	Winner!
Charles Hook	Win Pre-Flop	Win Post-Flop	Win Post-Turn
Starting Stack: 180,000	80.16%	8.59%	4.55%

Posted On: Oct 22, 2009

Outcome

Five-handed, with the blinds at 5,000-10,000 with a 1,000 ante, Hook raised to 23,000 from the button, Baldwin called in the big blind. On the flop, Baldwin checked, Hook checked. On the turn, Baldwin bet 56,000, Hook called. On the river, Baldwin went all in, Hook called and was all in.

Analysis

Hook may have hoped for action when he made a modest raise from the button in this short-handed game, but a lucky flop for Baldwin sealed his fate and resulted in his elimination on cracked kings. Baldwin was partially invested when he defended preflop with his suited cards, speculation which was rewarded when the board rained jacks. Baldwin checked his trips on the flop, while Hook deceptively checked behind with his overpair. Baldwin led out on the turn with a pot-sized bet, and again Hook disguised the strength of his hand, this time with a smooth-call. Baldwin shoved for value on the river, and Hook was obliged to call, especially given his chip position and his line in the hand. Baldwin showed him the winner, and Hook was eliminated in a tough beat for 10th, $29,000.

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