Pocket Kings vs Aces in the Main Event (WSOP Hand Breakdown)

HAND RECAP (7 handed, 14 players left, 600K/1.2M blinds - 1.2M BB ante)

Coelho (13.3M chips) raises to 2.4M with A♦ A♣. Kristen Foxen (49M chips) calls in the Big Blind with K♦ K♣.

Flop A♠ T♥ 5♠. Foxen checks. Coelho bets 1.2M. Foxen calls.

Turn 8♥. Foxen checks. Coelho bets 3M. Foxen calls.

River 3♣. Foxen checks. Coelho bets 6.7M all-in. Foxen folds.

There’s $10 million on the line with just 2 tables left in the World Series of Poker Main Event. Kristen Foxen is one of, if not the most talented players left in the tournament, but she runs into the nightmare “Pocket Kings vs Pocket Aces” scenario in this hand. Can she sometimes find a way to NOT double up her opponent? 

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Written Version of This Episode

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:26 Coelho's Min Raise with Pocket Aces

03:12 Kristen Foxen’s Decision with Pocket Kings

05:38 Flop Analysis: Ace-Ten-Five

08:06 Turn Play and Strategy with the Eight of Hearts

11:48 River Decisions and Final Moves

14:20 Post-Hand Analysis and Key Takeaways

16:47 Upswing Lab Promotion and Conclusion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Aaron Barone analyze a dramatic hand from the World Series of Poker Main Event where pocket Aces face off against pocket Kings. With just 14 players remaining and a $10 million first prize at stake, every decision is crucial. This hand, involving an 11 big blind effective stack, unfolds in a surprising way that offers listeners a deep dive into the strategic complexities of tournament poker at the highest level.

The discussion begins by setting the stage for this intense showdown. Coelho, sitting on a short stack of 11 big blinds, opts to min-raise with pocket Aces instead of shoving all-in, a decision aimed at enticing action from his opponents. Mike and Aaron explore the merits of this approach, weighing the potential benefits of a smaller raise against the risks of allowing more players to see a flop. They discuss how this unconventional play can maximize value and create opportunities for trapping.

As the action unfolds, the focus shifts to Kristen Foxen in the big blind, who holds pocket Kings. With a middling stack of 40 big blinds, she faces a tough decision against a small raise. Aaron explains why flat-calling with Kings, rather than reraising, can be a powerful tool in this situation, especially when considering the Independent Chip Model (ICM) pressure and the dynamics of stack sizes at a final table.

The podcast delves into the complexities of post-flop play, with Coelho hitting top set on an Ace-high flop and Kristen navigating a tricky situation with her Kings. Mike and Aaron break down the decision-making process on each street, discussing the importance of continuation betting, the psychological aspects of slowing down with a strong hand, and the nuances of extracting value without giving away too much information.

This poker strategy podcast offers listeners a masterclass in final table play, highlighting the importance of balancing aggression with caution and understanding the motivations behind each move. Whether you're an aspiring pro or a seasoned player, this episode provides valuable insights into high-stakes tournament strategy, helping you sharpen your skills and make better decisions under pressure. Tune in to learn from the pros and elevate your poker game to the next level.