Bubble Tension
They've played three hands' worth of hand-for-hand play without an elimination, and now a new level has begun. The last hand of Level 15 saw a lengthy one play out between Andy Hwang and Dan Smith. There was no threat of elimination, but it was tense nonetheless.
It began innocuously as a blind-vs.-blind confrontation with Hwang opening for 5,500 from the small blind and Smith calling from the big blind. Hwang would then lead with bets on all three post-flop streets. After the 
flop he bet 6,500 and Smith called. Then after the 
turn, Hwang bet 11,500 and Smith called again.
The river brought the 
and another bet from Hwang, this time for 16,500. Smith took several minutes, with the other tables all waiting on his decision along with Hwang. Finally Smith folded, and the bubble continues.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
175,000
11,000
|
11,000 |
|
106,000
-15,000
|
-15,000 |
|
||