I'll Never Tell

We got to the table on the turn with the board showing and Lee Markholt checking from middle position with approximately 2,500 already in the pot. Jeff Madsen made a bet of 1,325 and Markholt check-raised to 4,200. Madsen wasted little time in making the call.

The river was the and Markholt shuffled four green T25 chips quietly in his hand as he contemplated his next action. He grabbed three of those chips along with a few others and put out a bet of 10,175. Madsen looked at Markholt, puzzled, as he shuffled chips in his right hand rapidly. Madsen continued to stare at the board as Markholt sat calmly, his head resting on his right fist. Markholt leaned back, took a sip of his water, and then looked back down at the table.

Madsen shifted uncomfortably in his seat, looking as if he was in pain. He tilted his head, pulled out his earbud, and muttered under his breath something unintelligible to the rest of the table. He continued to look at the board and stopped shuffling his chips momentarily. He took the stack of chips and slapped them against the table and then looks back at his cards twice.

Madsen looked as if he was going to fold but then leaned in and stared at his opponent, hoping perhaps to get some kind of clue that would help him make a decision. Markholt decided enough time had passed and asked for a clock. The dealer yelled for the floor but before they could come over Madsen pushed his cards into the middle.

Madsen said something to Markholt who replied "I won't tell."

"Don't want to embarrass me," asked the frustrated Madsen as he let out a sigh.

"Never tell? One day?" Madsen added.

"Maybe one day," said Markholt, a sly grin coming over his face.