NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 25 – Kyle Smith describes himself as a recreational poker player, and spends more of his time as a family medicine doctor in Maryland, USA. But he’s good enough at the game to have made the Pontomac Summer Poker Open $3,000 Main Event, and take home a $136,054 top prize.
Smith agreed to a heads-up deal with Phong Nguyen, among the several Americans who comprised the final table. The doctor said the money meant more than the trophy, but also that it was “fun” being able to say that he beat a field of 280 players. He credited Nguyen with putting him in a difficult position. They agreed to the “chop”, and Smith finished the day with more than his total in live earnings prior to the Pontomac event, having previously won around $90,000.
A day at the office before poker
Smith went to work on the morning of the event, having slept for four hours. He began the final table in fourth position, competing against six others in the final battle. In one of the hands, Patrick Martorella forced Smith to react to an all-in shove on the turn. Smith called with a pair of eights, and said afterwards that if he had called it wrong, it would have been “one of the biggest punts” in poker tournaments’ history. But the call was right, and it gave Smith “more confidence and patience” for the rest of the day. He didn’t feel the need to rush, and later put other opponents in similarly difficult situations.
Smith and Nguyen
Late on, Smith and Nguyen saw a board with two 10s when Smith had bet big on the river. Nguyen called with queen-10, but Smith’s ace-10 won the big pot. When they returned from a break, the pair agreed to look again at the numbers. They reached a deal, with Nguyen taking home about $130,000 and Smith an even bigger sum. Smith earned the glass National Harbor trophy and Nguyen had the black trophy. Although their take-home totals were similar, Smith was named the official champion and took the limelight in the winner’s photos.
Smith remained determined throughout the match. Even when Nguyen had the lead, Smith remained hopeful and reminded himself to stay patient and play his game. He might not be the most experienced poker player in the world, but he knows that patience is key in the game, as it is in any game on a casino online real money platform. The following day, Smith was back to his regular job at the Maryland medical practice.
Smith said the poker win wouldn’t change his approach to the game, but would help financially. Those playing online or in-person should remember the risks involved in gambling, and take advantage of the free and confidential help offered in many jurisdictions, including the Gambler’s Anonymous organization in Smith’s own country.
Two-time WSOP bracelet winner finished third
Smith and Nguyen dominated the news, but also competing was Justin Liberto, a two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner. He was undoubtedly the field’s most accomplished player, but finished third. His short-stacked shove was called by Nguyen, who had pocket nines.
