Ten Minutes of Drama with Bas and Moreira

There was an open to 40,000 from mid position, before a raise from Andre Moreira in the small blind to 92,000. Damien Bas in the big blind thought for a while before 4-betting to 214,000.

The initial bettor released his hand and with the action back on Moreira he thought for a good few minutes before calling Bas’s bet.

A small crowd gathered around, excited about the prospect of a huge pot developing. A camera turned up and was trained on the action. Rob Young who had been passing through stopped to watch the action. Everyone held their breath as the dealer prepared to deal the flop.

Bas was first to act from the small blind and carefully counted out his chips. His bet was 333,000.

Moreira again took his time, his demeanour impossible to read. The minutes ticked by. He counted the chips out and slid them across the line.

The turn was

Bas contemplated the board and his hand tapped the table. Action on Moreira.

“All in.” Moreira declared.

Bas visibly deflated and slumped back in his seat. He took out his ear buds and leant forward. Then he stood up, his watch falling from his wrist onto the table. The crowd looked on, hushed and expectant.

Bas called the floor over and asked, “Am I allowed to say what I have?” The floor confirmed that he could indeed announce his hand. Moreira jammed his headphones on and buried his head in his hands, a little humour in a desperately tense situation.

Bas seemed at last to make up his mind. He pulled one card towards him and started to turn in over. The crowd craned their necks. Bas was folding. He showed the