GGPOKER

This hand comes from the Hustler offline high-stakes table, featuring Phil Ivey and Eric Persson as the protagonists. Ivey used an Ace-high hand for a bluff raise on the river, sparking widespread discussion. Below is a detailed analysis of this hand.

Hand Background

Blinds: 200/400/800/1600 (big blind ante $400) Effective stacks: Approximately $480,000 Hand Process Preflop Ivey raises to 5,400 from the button with **A♠Q♠**. Persson calls from the straddle with **J♥5♥**. Analysis: Ivey's opening range from the button is very wide, and AQs is one of the stronger hands in that range. Persson's J5s has about 40% equity against Ivey's raise, making the call +EV.GGPoker Flop Community cards: J♠7♥6♣ Both check. Analysis: As the preflop caller, Persson should check his entire range on the flop and observe Ivey's action. Ivey has a range advantage on this board, including more strong top pairs and overpairs. Ivey's A♠Q♠ is suitable for a small bet (4,000-5,000) as a semi-bluff. Turn Community cards: J♠7♥6♣4♥ Persson bets 7,600, Ivey calls. Analysis: The turn is favorable for Persson. Ivey's A♠Q♠ is still two overcards, with potential backdoor draws. Persson's bet size is 75% of the pot, allowing him to extract value while balancing his bluffing hands. River Community cards: J♠7♥6♣4♥10♥ Persson overbets 29,600, Ivey raises to 110,000, Persson snap-calls and wins the $248,000 pot.

Analysis:

The river 10♥ is favorable for Persson, as many hands in his range can continue betting for value. From a theoretical perspective, Ivey's bluff raise is unreasonable because his hole cards lack blocker effects. However, considering Ivey's skill level, he may have had sufficient reasons for this raise, attempting to exploit Persson's leaks. Key Points Analysis Ivey's Bluff Raise: Ivey bluff-raises on the river with Ace-high, trying to force Persson to fold. Although theoretically unreasonable, Ivey may have made this decision based on his read of Persson. Persson's Call: Persson's J♥5♥ forms two pair on the river. Facing Ivey's raise, he chooses to snap-call. His hand strength is sufficient and includes blockers to some value hands in Ivey's betting range. Hand Result: Persson successfully wins the $248,000 pot, and Ivey's bluff raise fails to work.

Summary

This hand demonstrates the strategy and psychological warfare in Texas Hold'em. Ivey attempts to force his opponent to fold through a bluff raise, but Persson turns the tables with strong hand strength and calm decision-making. Although Ivey's bluff raise is theoretically unreasonable, his decision may have been based on a deep read of his opponent and exploitative strategy. This hand not only showcases the technical showdown in Texas Hold'em but also embodies the composure and strategy of professional players in critical moments. If you were Ivey, how would you handle this hand? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!