Ex-chef’s poker career cooks with win

Boston -- Chef to professional poker player - not the most common road traveled, but it is one that worked for the newest World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit champion, Ben Hock.

After he played very conservatively for three days, his dreams became reality when he won the WSOP Circuit Main Event at the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Repeatedly battling back from a short stack on Days 1 and 2, Hock entered the final table third in chips.

After eliminating seven other competitors (including me, I exited in fourth place), Hock entered heads-up play versus a young poker professional, Michael Martin. After about 90 minutes, Hock held about a 3:2 chip advantage when the following hand commenced.

Sitting in the big blind, Hock looked down to see a modest 10c-6c. After Martin limped in from the button, Hock decided to check his option from the big blind. The dealer revealed a fantastic flop: 10h-6s-3h.

Bingo! Hock flopped top two pair. Now, his goal was to extract Martin’s remaining chips. To start the process, Hock checked to Martin, who bet 23,000 chips. Hock slid his own chips into the pot, making the call.

After the dealer turned the 7c, Hock checked once again. Martin continued his betting by pushing forward 54,000 chips. After serious deliberation, Hock raised to 154,000. Several agonizing moments ensued. Finally, Martin announced that he was all-in. Hock quickly called, hoping to have his opponent dominated.

However, when Martin revealed 8h-4h, Hock realized the battle was far from over. Although Hock held two pair, Martin was only a 32:68 underdog since he held numerous outs, including a heart flush draw and a double belly buster (which is two different inside straight draws).

With the entire crowd anxiously on its feet, the dealer revealed the 3c on the river. Hock dodged all of the possible outs, eliminating Martin in second place with a consolation prize of $94,263.

Hock’s first major victory earned him $169,327, a WSOP Circuit ring and a $10,000 berth in this summer’s WSOP Main Event.

Ben Hock will be my guest this Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. on “The Bernard Lee Poker Show” on 1510 AM.

News Added: 09 March, 2008

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