Tsoukernik Got Lucky

Leon Tsoukernik from the Czech Republic got lucky. Not just now in a hand against Steve O'Dwyer, because that was just a well-timed bluff, but last year, if we have to believe Phil Ivey.

On a flop of , Tsoukernik check-called a bet of 5,200 from the small blind. His opponent, O'Dwyer, seated in the cutoff seat, fired another 10,500 on the turn. Tsoukernik called this bet as well. The fell on the river, and Tsoukernik bet out 33,000. O'Dwyer went into the tank.

"What's your name?" Ivey asked the dealer while O'Dwyer was still tanking.

"Leon" answered Tsoukernik, thinking Ivey was posing the question to him.

"No, no, I meant the dealer," said Ivey. "I know you. We played last year right? You asked me if I played baccarat."

O'Dwyer was still thinking about his decision while this conversation was going on, but eventually he reluctantly folded. Tsoukernik showed the for a semi-bluff.

After, Ivey and Tsoukernik continued their talks.

"You seemed like a nice guy, so I decided not to," Ivey laughed, referring to playing baccarat in Tsoukernik's casino.

"You play too high for us anyway," Tsoukernik responded. "We only go up to €25,000 a hand."

Tsoukernik, the owner of King's Casino in Rozvadov, apparently got away there last year, as Ivey repeated, "You seemed like a nice guy, so I decided not to."

Tsoukernik was a little puzzled, but Ivey was referring to the edge-sorting technique he acknowledged using.

"You weren't going to win at the time, trust me!" Ivey said with a smile.

Tsoukernik got the message and replied with a smile, "They have more money in London anyway."

"I'm gonna win that case, by the way," Ivey said with a dead serious face.

"That's good, we need the money in poker," Tsoukernik laughed.