Most poker players will tell you stories about their huge pots or big bluffs. Personally, I would rather hear a story about a player laying down a hand in a tough situation. Last night at Commerce I am in the big blind with 10-3 offsuit and throw in the buck to see the flop. I will pay $1 out of the 3 in the small blind with any 2 cards because I feel I can play them well after the flop. 5 of us see the flop and it comes 10 4 3, all different suits. I flopped top and bottom pair and bet out $15 into this $11 pot. I get a call only from the big blind. The turn is a Queen and I fire out a $30 bet. The big blind raises me $45 more. What do I do with top and bottom pair? Here's what I know about my opponent: I have seen him raise pre-flop 2-3X with big cards like Q10 suited or KJ. He's not playing every pot and is playing somewhat conservatively. He seems to fold on the flop if his hand misses so it dosent feel like he is doing any unnecessary chasing. My instinct tells me that he is not playing poker to throw his money away haphazardly. What do I do with my 2 pair? I start asking myself, what can I beat? I can beat AQ or a slow played AA or KK. I can beat bottom 2 pair. The question I then ask to myself is wether or not this player would call a pot sized plus bet on the flop with just overcards containing a Queen. I think the answer is no. I figure him for a hand like Q10 which he didnt raise pre-flop with because he was out of position and seemed savy enough to understand this idea. I look over to him and he looks relaxed. "Tough decision" I say. He says, "Well, this is my last hand of the night, I have to get going." He's words imply weakness. In poker, weak usually means strong. Finally I look at my chips and see that I will have about $100 in front of me left if I call the raise. If I do call the raise I may be faced with a river bet for the rest of my chips. Do I want to risk $145 on top and bottom pair in an unraised pot? I fold. He shows 10-4. He flopped top 2 pair. He says to me, " I just called on the flop to let some players in behind me since the board is so uncoordinated." I dig my cards out of the much to show my big laydown. My ego takes over me and I say, "Sometimes I play so good it's fucking sick!" A little out of line, but I was excited. A big laydown pumps me up just as much as a big pot. yogadude_165@hotmail.com

Source: Live No Limit Holdem with Yogi Steve