That's Not a Knife... This is a Knife
During the first hour of the Main Event, the play is typically defined by a protracted feeling out process, with the majority of players simply content to soak in the experience and fold until they find a monster.
Experienced veterans like Aussie Gary Benson, however, know that this stage of the tournament can become a goldmine, provided a couple of premium hands are dealt.
Benson, who has dominated Australia's and New Zealand's burgeoning tournament circuit for nearly three decades, has proven that to be true here today, after taking control of his table early in the day.
We passed by Benson's table with four players each putting 950 into the pot before the flop. When the dealer fanned the 
across the felt, the action was checked to Benson, and he fired a bet of 1,500 forward. After a lone player flatted out of position, the turn came 
, and the opponent checked once more to Benson.
Continuing his aggressive line, Benson moved a pile of chips equal to 3,600 into the middle, and his opponent smooth called a second time.
The river brought the 
to the board, and both players elected to slow down by tapping the table.
"If you've got a four you're good," said Benson, as he tabled the 
.
His opponent was visibly distressed at having been coolered so early in the Main Event, and he disgustedly threw his 
into the muck.
Benson chipped up to nearly 40,000 on this hand, adding a third of his opponent's starting stack to his own to begin his Main Event in style. As the first Aussie to capture a gold bracelet here in Vegas, one of the game's great ambassadors has put him himself in great shape to make a run through this third Day 1 flight.
| Jogador | Fichas | Oscilação |
|---|---|---|
|
38,900 | 550 |
as Adams checked his option, before his opponent threw out a continuation bet of 500. The bet was called, as the 
fell on the turn. Both players were happy to check, and do the same, when the 
completed the board.
for a straight, before a disappointed Adams showed his 
for the over pair.
board. The player in middle position bet out 400, before their opponent on the button bumped it up to 1,100. The decision was back on Rudolph, and he quickly reached for chips, before raising it up to 2,600. It was enough to get the original better out, but not the raiser, as both saw the 
fall on the turn. Both players opted to check, as the 
completed the board.
for a flopped set of queens.
for a flopped set of threes and Le nodded his head, making it seem as if he had made a good lay down.
. His opponent never showed his hand, but Lamb seemed to be ok about his fold as the player scooped the pot.
, and Eapen check-folded to a continuation bet. Despite this minor setback, Eapen was sporting his usual smile and seemed to be enjoying every second of his latest foray into the wilds of the World Series of Poker.