Sweating it Out

Ami Barer checked to Jason Mercier on a board of , and Mercier fired out a pot-sized bet of 68,000. The Canadian studied the Team PokerStars Pro for a minute or so, then made the call.

A repeat three completed the board - the - and Barer quickly knuckled. Mercier pulled out a handful of chips from his stack, assembling 77,000, then added a tower of yellow T5,000 chips. He pushed forward 177,000 in total, sending Barer deep into the tank.

After two minutes or so, the Canadian simply smiled to himself. Mercier was in a daze, staring at one spot in space while remaining quite still, and finally, after what seemed like five minutes or so, Barer folded.

Mercier jokingly exhaled.

"About two minutes ago a bead of sweat trickled down here," he said, pointing to his armpit. "I was sure you were going to call."

"Show the two of clubs," Barer requested, and the rest of the players at the table wanted to see at least one card.

Mercier refused, sliding his hand into the muck facedown and raking in the pot.