Lange Forces Lay Down from Steven

Shamus

Level 23 : 12,000/24,000, 4,000 ante

We came upon a big fifth-street decision being considered by Brandon Steven in a hand versus Beverly Lange just now. A big pot had developed between the pair by then, with the board running out an intriguing .

Steven had made a river bet, then Lange had raised all in for 268,000 more and Steven took several minutes to make his decision. While he did, the television cameras swarmed to capture the ending of the hand, and eventually Steven engaged Lange in some table talk, perhaps in an effort to help him with his decision.

Steven asked Lange where she was from and what she did for a living. Texas, she answered, going on to explain in detail how she works with a company that produces football halftime shows and also enjoys traveling. They asked each other their names, too, as the conversation continued, and finally Lange asked Steven if any of what she was saying was helpful.

Steven nodded and said it was, adding "I know I have the worst hand." Yet he still wasn't sure about folding it, and took another minute or so more to think, apologizing to the table for taking so long.

Finally Steven decided to let his hand go, and showed one card — the — as he did. Lange then showed her cards — — and the table and all those watching reacted audibly after seeing she'd in fact had the second-best hand.