At a table where jokes and relaxed conversations are usually the main features, the most recent episode of Hellmuth’s Home Game, aired by CBS Sports, ended with a hand that quickly sparked debate among poker fans. The protagonists were two heavyweights of the circuit: Shaun Deeb
The action started in a cash game with blinds US$25/50. Nick Hellmuth
Cates did not hesitate and launched a 4-bet to US$4,000. Deeb called and both reached the flop Q 7 4. Surprisingly, the action stopped with a check from both players. The turn was a 10 and Jungleman bet US$5,000 into a pot of US$8,300. Deeb, with just a pair of sevens, decided to continue.
Read more How GGPoker’s referral program and rewards work
The real controversy came on the river, when a Q doubled the highest card on the board. Cates pushed his last US$14,025 and Deeb only needed a few seconds to announce the call. The decision seemed to respond to a read that his opponent could be bluffing with a missed draw or a hand turned into a bluff. However, the reality was much more painful: Jungleman showed his kings and took the gigantic pot.
The hand left divided opinions. Some consider Deeb’s call too optimistic and a demonstration of overconfidence against one of the most unpredictable players on the planet. Others argue that precisely against Cates it is necessary to widen calling ranges, as his history of spectacular bluffs forces uncomfortable decisions.
Deeb went from being the big winner of the session to ending with losses of US$1,225, while Jungleman considerably reduced his negative numbers and closed the day with a stack of US$46,350, although still accumulating a balance of -US$13,650.
Read more Suprema Poker app: what you can do besides tournaments
