Ep 15. Season 2, Episode 15
- September 11, 2006
Season 2, Episode 15 of High Stakes Poker continues the trend of high drama and huge pots that have made the show a hit among fans of the game. As always, the episode is hosted by A-list comedian-turned-poker-pro Gabe Kaplan and co-hosted by Poker Hall of Famer and World Series of Poker champion AJ Benza.
The episode opens with the familiar scene of the six players taking their seats at the felt. This week's lineup features some of the biggest names in the game, including two of the most successful poker players in history: Doyle Brunson and Phil Ivey. Also at the table are businessman Lyle Berman, professional gambler David Grey, online poker whiz Patrik Antonius, and up-and-coming pro Jennifer Harman.
As the action gets underway, it's clear that the players are feeling the pressure of the high stakes. Blinds start at an eye-watering $400/$800, meaning that even the smallest bets are worth thousands of dollars. It doesn't take long for the players to start putting chips into the middle, with Grey making a big raise early on that forces Berman to fold.
One of the most exciting hands of the episode comes courtesy of Doyle Brunson, who has been playing poker professionally since the 1950s and has won 10 WSOP bracelets in his career. With pocket kings in his hand, Brunson makes a raise that is quickly called by Grey, who is holding pocket tens. The flop comes down 9-10-7, giving Grey a set but leaving Brunson with a strong overpair. A few more bets go in on the turn and river, with Grey raising all in on the river and Brunson eventually making the call. The pot is worth over $300,000, making it one of the biggest of the episode.
Another big moment comes when Antonius, who is known for his aggressive play style, makes a daring bluff against Harman. With a board of 4-5-7-9-10 and Antonius holding just queen-high, he makes a large bet that forces Harman to fold even though she has a pair of nines. It's a bold move that pays off, showing the kind of fearless play that has helped Antonius become one of the most successful online poker players in history.
But the real highlight of the episode comes in a hand between Ivey and Berman, two players who need no introduction. Ivey is known for his almost supernatural ability to read his opponents and make the perfect move at the perfect time, while Berman has been a force in the poker world for decades and is a member of the Poker Hall of Fame. With blinds at $600/$1200, Ivey raises to $4200 with a suited ace-jack, prompting Berman to call with a pair of sevens. The flop comes down 9-J-2, giving Ivey top pair and Berman an overpair. Both players check, and the turn brings a 7, giving Berman a set and prompting him to make a large bet. Ivey, however, is not easily shaken, and he makes the call. The river brings another 9, and Berman goes all in for over $200,000. It's a huge bet, and Ivey takes a long time to think it over before ultimately making the call. The pot is worth over $600,000, making it one of the biggest pots in High Stakes Poker history.
Overall, Season 2, Episode 15 is packed with high-stakes action, nail-biting decisions, and plenty of drama. Whether you're a seasoned poker player or just a fan of the game, it's a must-watch for anyone who loves the thrill of the gamble.