GGPOKER

At the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic, Texas Hold'em players Phil Hellmuth and Jared Rubin played a hand. The blinds were 2,000/4,000 with a 500 ante.

Rubin raised to 11,000 from early position, and Hellmuth called from the big blind. On the flop, Hellmuth checked, and Rubin checked back.

On the turn, Hellmuth checked again, and Rubin bet 18,000. Hellmuth then check-raised all-in, and Rubin called for 42,000.

Analysis

Hellmuth, in the small blind, took a speculative play with a small suited hand and ended up hitting a marginal draw while short-stacked. Some poker players tighten their range with only 17 big blinds, avoiding speculative calls in heads-up pots. However, Hellmuth is confident with short stacks and is known for his strong hand-reading skills.GGpoker

Rubin slow-played his set on the flop, but when the third diamond appeared on the turn, his opponent showed interest. After Hellmuth’s check-raise all-in, Rubin was clearly concerned—a flush, a bigger ace, or a full house could all beat him.

However, with a significant chip lead over Hellmuth, Rubin made a reluctant call. The board was paired, and Hellmuth only had a 7-high flush—a very vulnerable hand. Rubin ultimately hit a full house on the river.

Hellmuth was eliminated in 93rd place, earning $21,620 in prize money.