"I Prefer Russian"

Chad Holloway

Yesterday Tony Chang placed fourth in the World Poker Tour Prague Main Event for �101,800, and today he's seeking even more success in the city and is in hot pursuit of his first European Poker Tour title.

In a recent hand, there was around 20,000 in the pot and a board reading . Before Chang had a chance to act in the under-the-gun position, Alexey Andreev moved all in out of turn for just over 44,000.

Chang didn't seem happy his turn was skipped, and the dealer promptly informed him that action was still on him. If he were to check, Andreev's bet would stand, but if he bet a small amount Andreev would be able to take it back and regain all options. Chang pondered for a long time and even tried striking up a conversation.

"Do you speak English?" Chang asked his opponent.

"A little, but I prefer Russian," Andreev said. The small Russian conjured up images of 2002 World Series of Poker champ Robert Varkonyi, and he seemed more than willing to make the table laugh.

Chang continued to mull over his options and finally asked if Andreev would show his cards if he folded. A language barrier existed, but Andreev seemed to understand. "You call with chips you see, or you fold and I show you after," he said.

Chang did fold, and Andreev stood by his word and tabled . Despite that loss, Chang is still doing better than the last time we checked in on him and is in good shape to make Day 2; likewise, Andreev is doing well with 67,000.