Negreanu versus Antonio

Marcus Bateman / Marcus Bateman / 07 August 2008 / Leave a Comment

This video is a classic example of a player giving away too much information about their hand with predictable consequences

This video is a classic example of a player giving away too much information about their hand with predictable consequences. It is odd to see one of the best in the business, Canadian Daniel Negreanu, making this type of error - although even the very best make the occasional instinctual mistake. The action of the hand is pretty standard at these stakes. Daniel reads some weakness in Antonio, makes a big check raise all in with middle pair, presumably knowing that, at worst, he will probably have five outs if called (three kings and two tens for two pair against Antonio's supposed over pair).

The first comments he makes are very clever, and clearly put Antonio on guard. By observing that Antonio didn't instantly call Daniel acts like he can rule out hands like sets or an over pair - which immediately implies that he has a hand with a queen in it. Notice how Antonio is basically talking himself into folding during this period of the hand, repeating over and over again that Daniel has king queen. At this point Daniel is looking to all comers like he is going to win the hand - when I first saw this clip I was convinced Antonio would make a grudging lay down and Daniel would show him the bluff to try and tilt him a bit.

Literally, just as it looks like Antonio is going to fold, while muttering about how bad he would feel if Daniel turns over king queen, Daniel says "I'll show you a card after you fold". This comment changes everything. Antonio instantly pricks his ears up, thinks for a few more seconds and then quickly calls. The tone of Daniel's voice and body language here is extremely bad. It just sounds like a nervous and over arrogant comment that is desperately trying to get the nervous tension of a big bluff to end, and Antonio instantly picks up on it.

As you can see, Antonio makes a great read, gets his money in well ahead, and then loses - an all too familiar poker situation. There is a good moral in this part of the video as well - often you will make the right play, get your money in as clear favorite, and then have to watch as the poker God's slide the chips to your opponent - how you deal with that is just as important as any read on your opponent.