Rubiralta Makes Big Call Under Clock Pressure

Richard Hayes

Level 21 : Blinds 10,000/15,000, 15,000 ante

At least 350,000 was in the middle already in a hand between Andrea Scarrone on the button and Gerard Rubiralta in the big blind on a board of 8?A?9?Q?9?.

Rubiralta checked to Scarrone, who took some time to ponder the spot before sliding out a bet of 160,000.

Rubiralta went deep into the tank, at various points asking his opponent if he would show if he folded, or even just one card. Scarrone remained silent in the face of all table talk.

After a reasonable but not excessive period of time, Sergii Baranov called the clock. The tournament director came over but the dealer did not think Rubiralta had been given sufficient time for his decision on the river and the rest of the table agreed. Baranov got up from the table muttering about hands taking fifteen minutes. The clock was not started just yet.

All of a sudden, after a fold appeared the most likely outcome, Rubiralta made the call.

Scarrone turned over 10?5? for air and Rubiralta had A?3? for a weak pair of aces, allowing him to scoop a monster pot and move over the one million mark.

Scarrone was effusive in his praise for his opponent's play, stating on numerous occasions "great call" and "well played".