Hoi-Lee Crap!

Chad Holloway

We noticed some commotion at one of the far tables and made our way over to discover a hefty hand in progress. With around 500,000 in the pot and a flop of {8-Spades} {9-Hearts} {10-Spades} , Hoi Lee had checked from the small blind and Chris Kwon bet about 270,000 from the under-the-gun position. Lee responded by moving all in and the pressure was back on Kwon, who had 750,000 behind.

Lee had about the same, so a call would likely mean the end of the tournament for either player. Kwon thought for a few minutes, intensely analyzing the situation, before softly uttering, "Call."

Showdown
Kwon: {A-Diamonds} {Q-Diamonds}
Lee: {J-Hearts} {J-Spades}

Kwon was behind when the money went in, but he had plenty of outs. An ace or queen would give him a bigger pair, while a jack would give him a straight. Wouldn't you know it, the {J-Diamonds} spiked on the river to fill the said straight. Both players kept their composure as they recognized that Lee could take back the lead if the board were to pair on the river.

The table was surrounded with spectators as the dealer burned and delivered the {10-Clubs} ! Lee knocked the table in celebration while Kwon sat quietly. After the dealer counted out the stacks to make sure Lee had his opponent covered, Kwon made his exit from the 2011 WSOP Main Event; meanwhile, Lee is up to nearly 2.1 million.