Grassi Smoking Hot Early

Italian Samuele Grassi is running hot here, riding an early wave up to a spot among the leaders now.

He had more than 65,000 in front of him already when he bumped it to 1,175 from early position. The big blind defended and then checked the flop. Grassi checked before the big blind checked again on the turn.

Grassi bet 3,500, but the big blind did not fold. Finally, after calling, the big blind checked the river and Grassi fired out a sizable bet of 15,500. The big blind tanked for an eternity before making the call and mucking, with Grassi showing the straight.

A hand later he limped under the gun, then joined the small blind in calling a James Akenhead raise to 800. Grassi checked the flop, and was the only caller when Akenhead continued for 1,200. They both checked the turn and Grassi led the river for 4,500. Akenhead folded.