"Big Blind Special", or "Running Like Seidel"

It appears that Erik Seidel's 2011 run-good hasn't washed away yet in the new year.

In the last hand, David Benefield opened with a raise in late position, and Seidel defended his big blind to see a heads-up flop.

It came {4-Spades} {2-Diamonds} {5-Hearts} , but it wasn't nearly as raggy as it first appeared. Seidel checked to the raiser, and Benefield continued out with a bet of 12,000. The check-raise came, though, and Seidel made it 26,500 total. Benefield popped it right back to 44,000 total, and Seidel made it 85,000. Now Benefield had only one play left, and he shoved in for about 175,000 total. When Seidel called, the cards were on their backs, and it was quite an ugly sight for the at-risk player.

Showdown
Benefield: {A-Clubs} {3-Hearts}
Seidel: {3-Clubs} {6-Hearts}

Oof! Benefield could only shake his head at the cooler of a flop, and he was drawing dead to a chop. The turn and river came {J-Clubs} and {J-Spades} , though, and that's the end of the road for Mr. Benefield.