Famous Bluffs: Jack Strauss and the Togel seven-deuce
The late Jack Strauss, who won the 1982 World Series of Poker, was a man known for his creativity, flair and imagination at the poker table, as well as his willingness to risk all he had if he liked the odds. Once, in a no-limit hold'em game, Strauss was dealt a seven and a deuce of different suits. It's one of the worst starting hands in the deck ¾ one the overwhelming majority of players would throw away without a moment's hesitation. But not Strauss; not this time. "I was on a rush," he said, "so I raised." One player called. The flop was 7-3-3, giving Strauss two pair, albeit with a kicker that couldn't even beat the board. As Strauss bet again, he realized he had made a mistake. His opponent, who did not hesitate as he reached for his chips, raised Strauss $5,000. Strauss realized his opponent had a big pair in the hole, and the logical move would have been to give up the bluff and release his hand. But Strauss called, which must...