The latest episode of PokerStars‘ The Big Game on Tour season 2 saw the stakes rise as Alan Keating continued his aggressive playstyle, relentlessly putting pressure on his opponents. With notable players like Lex Veldhuis, Jason Koon, and Alexander ‘Wolfgang’ Seibt in the mix, the table was set for high-stakes action. Keating’s constant aggression made it difficult for others to take control of the game, but one player wasn’t intimidated – Lex Veldhuis.
Let’s break down this exciting hand and see how Veldhuis countered Keating’s aggression.
The Setup: An Aggressive Start At Big Game on Tour season 2
The action began with Keating throwing in an $800 straddle, which put immediate pressure on the other players. The straddle had the effect of deepening the pots, forcing everyone to dig deep into their chip stacks. As the action moved around the table, it eventually folded to Lex Veldhuis in the big blind, and he decided to limp in with K-Q suited.
Before Veldhuis could even settle in, Keating fired a pot-sized raise to $3,000 with A-3 suited. This move was a signature of Keating’s relentless aggression — he’s known for playing every hand with power, forcing opponents into tough spots. However, Veldhuis wasn’t easily intimidated. He responded by making the call.
The Flop: Keating Keeps the Pressure On
The flop came Q-7-3, a board that gave Veldhuis top pair with top kicker — a solid hand in most situations. He checked to Keating, who didn’t slow down, pushing out $4,000 into the $6,600 pot.
At this point, Veldhuis had a decision to make. With top pair, the smart play would usually be to call and see if he could improve further. Knowing Keating’s aggressive tendencies, Veldhuis decided to call, keeping the action alive and bringing the turn to the table.
The Turn: Keating Still Ramps Up the Aggression
On the turn, the 8 of diamonds appeared, a relatively harmless card for both players. Veldhuis checked once again, and Keating, not one to slow down, bet $15,000 into the growing pot of $44,600. This was a slight over-bet, an attempt to continue applying pressure.
Veldhuis, with top pair and top kicker, wasn’t ready to back down. He called, determined to see the river card and continue to challenge Keating.
The River: A Decisive Moment Of Big Game on Tour season 2
The river card was the 8 of clubs, completing the board with Q-7-3-8-8. At this point, Keating had third pair, while Veldhuis still held top pair with the best kicker. With the pot now swelling to $142,600, Keating wasted no time in betting another $49,000.
At this point, Veldhuis had to make one of the toughest calls in poker — but with his top pair, he knew that Keating could be bluffing, trying to push him out of the pot. Veldhuis made the call, and the dealer revealed both players’ hands.
Keating showed A-3 suited for a missed straight draw and third pair, while Veldhuis revealed K-Q suited for the winning top pair.
The Aftermath: Silence and Stacking Chips
With no words exchanged, Veldhuis calmly stacked his chips, taking down a massive pot worth $142,600. Keating’s aggression had been met with Veldhuis’ ability to read the situation and hold his ground.
This hand demonstrated not only the importance of aggression in poker but also how a strong mental game and the ability to recognize your opponent’s tendencies can lead to success.
Key Takeaways from This Hand
- Aggression in Poker: Alan Keating’s aggressive style is a defining characteristic of his play. While it pressures opponents, it also leaves him vulnerable to players who can read the situation well, like Veldhuis.
- Hand Selection and Patience: While many players might have folded on the turn or river, Veldhuis stuck to his guns with top pair and was rewarded for his patience.
- Pot Control: The ability to control the pot and make calculated calls, as Veldhuis did, is an essential poker skill. He didn’t overcommit but made the right calls to win the hand.
- Poker Psychology: Understanding an opponent’s tendencies is crucial. Keating’s aggressive image worked against him in this hand, as Veldhuis was able to predict the line of betting and respond accordingly.
Conclusion
This hand from Pokerstars The Big Game On Tour was a perfect example of how aggression and patience can collide in a poker match. Keating’s nonstop aggression forced Veldhuis to stay sharp and stick to his strategy, ultimately allowing him to win a huge pot. In poker, balancing aggression with careful hand reading and patience is key to dominating the table.
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Courtesy: POKER.ORG