Poker Hand Matchup: Shawn Buchanan vs. Andrew Lichtenberger

Outcome

Final table, six handed, with the blinds at 20,000 and 40,000 and a 5,000 ante, Lichtenberger raised to 80,000 from the cutoff seat, Buchanan called in the big blind. On the Flop, Buchanan checked, Lichtenberger checked. On the Turn, Buchanan bet 130,000, Lichtenberger called. On the River, Buchanan bet 375,000, Lichtenberger called.

Analysis

Lichtenberger flopped bottom pair but decided to not make the continuation bet. Unbeknownst to him it was a very ugly board for Buchanan, but Lichenberger might have been worried that since Buchanan defended his blind he at least caught a piece of that high-carded flop. This check cost Lichtenberger as his bottom pair was quickly overtaken on the turn when Buchanan made a set. With many straight draws available, this was not a good time for Buchanan to offer a free card so he quickly led out. Now Lichtenberger didn't have a great idea of where he was in the hand and he mostly had himself to blame for this due to his previous check. Lichtenberger would have likely avoided calling a big bet on the river, but unfortunately for him he made two-pair and his showdown value increased substantially. Lichtenberger now had to call, but he was well aware of the many superior two-pair combos that could have him beat so he did not make the mistake of raising. Because he had plenty of chips and continuation bets are the bread and butter of solid players, Lichtenberger arguably missed a bet on the flop but he did well to avoid further losses by just calling on the river.