Out 5th in the 3K Wynn Classic

The final 10 players included David Peters, Adam Levy, Russell Rosenblum, Ryan Welch, Francois Safieddine and a Britsh kid named Jared Abrahams. I knew with Adam, David and Jared all on my left I would need to pick up a hand early to keep them from 3 betting me with my smallish stack. After being quiet for a couple orbits, I picked up KK on the button. Russell raised from middle position and shoved 13BB, he called my push with 88. I flopped a boat and doubled up to just under 30BB. In the next level (3k/6k), Russell completed from the SB and I checked with the 75cc. The flop came Ac5s4d, and he checked to me. Thinking my 5 is good I bet 8k into the pot. Russell raised to 22k. If I called it would leave me 91k. Still believing my 5 is good most of the time, I decided to call. I thought Russell wouldn’t bet again unless he had 2 pair or better. The turn was a 7d, and Russell went all in. It looked like my read was off about the strength of his hand, but turning 2 pair meant I couldn’t fold. I called and he turned over 54o, and the flopped 2 pair. My hand held again and I doubled up to 250k. With 5 people left I was 2nd in chips with Jared the overwhelming chipleader, with about 650k. Jared continually 3 bet me very light in position giving me 4.5 to 1 to call. I called a handful of times with suited connectors and some big aces, all with no success. The 3rd time he did it, I called with AJo, and the flop came KsJc7s. I checked and he bet 40k into the 85k pot. I called leaving myself 125k. The turn brought a 8h. I check folded thinking he couldn’t fire 2 bullets there with a hand I could beat. He told me he had KQ later on, meaning a 4 bet or fold was a better line than calling with his range. A couple of hands later, I raised on the button with 22. He 3 bet me again and I decided to 4 bet shove. He called quickly and tabled AA. The board ran out 2KJ, K, A. flopping me a set, but rivering Jared the best hand.
The fifth place finish is a little upsetting, due to improper plays against the chipleader. But, 15k and another final table is very satisfying. My recent success influenced me to play the main event and the Wynn, Table 38 Seat 4. Good Luck everyone.

Justin “robert07” Young