We Are the Choices We Make
In poker, as in life itself, every result is simply the end product of an infinite series of choices. Every action necessarily creates reactions, and as Dr. Ian Malcom of Jurassic Park fame might have said if he played poker, the game is simply unpredictability within a complex system writ large.
Recently, a hand occurred involving four players that perfectly illustrates the concept of Chaos Theory, as each player's choices created ripples that affected one another.
A series of preflop raises and calls ended when Tomas Yi shoved all-in for a sizable amount, and another player called his stack off as well. Paul "Zar-Dog" White was forced to a tough decision with his 
, but with another player still yet to act behind him, he couldn't abide gambling his tournament life away in such a marginal spot.
By tanking before he mucked, however, Smith's actions suggested he held high cards, and a player who identified himself as "Fatbert Naan" was left to think his 
had limited outs. Thus, he tossed his cards away, but not before showing them to the table.
Meanwhile, Yi and his lone remaining opponent went to the showdown, and Yi's 
was far ahead of 
. With his big slick crushed by both tabled hands, "Fatbert Naan" was relieved to see he made the correct laydown, as was Smith, whose pair of tens were outclassed.
Of course, the flop came 
and Smith turned to contemplate the possibilities lost in the wake of his choice. A clean turn and river later, Yi claimed the huge pot, eliminating his opponent, and leaving Smith to circle the table incredulously, wondering what could have been.
Chaos indeed.