TOUGHEST spot EVER in $18,000+ dollar pot!! // Poker Vlog

Playing 10-25-50 and I play a huge pot and get in a super tough spot

[@brendanmoriarty7756]

When you bet 2k with QQ its good to have a plan for when you get shoved on. If your plan is to fold then don't bother putting in the 2k. Then you can go into hero-call mode if they are overvaluing 88-JJ. Also chances of him having AA/KK is very low as most players aren't smart/sly enough to flat call a 4-bet pre-flop with those hands. Love the content good luck crushing these high stakes whales!

[@squallloky]

Personally, I don't have a 5bet range 1v1 and will call AA and KK vs a 4bet. The games I play aren't deep enough to justify 5 betting and people will actually lock themselves into bluffing more frequently if they get to the flop of a 4bet pot.

[@PhongNguyen-eu7vs]

Ngl im gonna snap call with QQ there. People can call me an idiot idc but i will call there whenever i am in that similar situation

[@markc7841]

Same. I was yelling call

[@robertoremoquillo4202]

IMHO his decision was influenced solely by the amount he's risking relative to his bankroll and that is understandable. So the better conclusion here is play the game that is way comfortable for the bankroll that you have!

[@MrOracio121]

My analysis of the hand was spot on by Brendan…if your saying these guys have money and are wealthy … maybe the guy has a 5K watch on his wrist? Something along that line maybe? But your 2K bet on the turn says I’m calling if he raises or just check to see what he’s gonna do… I put him on 1010 thru 55… I’m gonna must up and call… Wish you the best

[@Diamondback_boy]

Another great video 👍. You're the most honest poker vlogger in the game. Maybe on those tough 50/50 calls like the QQ hand - you should ask yourself. "If this was a 1/2 game, what would I do".. keep your poker game simple. You said it in the video earlier that those players had money to burn 🔥. That guy tried to burn his money, but you forgot your lighter

[@youtubelife9248]

Lex is one of the worst poker players I’ve ever played with. It’s unreal he’s made a dollar playing professionally

[@cruelgod435]

Your honesty in your vlogs is being appreciated. That is why you are my favorite poker Vlogger. As far as with 2 queens, I would not bet as much to begin with and I would also fold at the end. In my case, I would lose less money with less tilt :) .

[@MarkDavidBlack]

25K looked very bluffy to me. I'm sure being there in the moment changes everything. Looking forward I would stay away from that big of a game until you can conquer the MUB syndrome. Taking a shot in the bigger games always is very enticing but you need to be prepared for anything. Thanks for the video Lex. Have an awesome day.

[@kmsnow6292]

Sometimes being a good thinking player is an enemy of your own. That makes poker so interesting.

[@robertkaufman9525]

I think you channel is one of the best, because we get to see the good bets or ones that are not. I learn from both. When the vloggers only show the wins I don't learn as much. I much rather see both and learn from both and appreciate your honesty.

[@JasonHall1984]

I haven't watched the conclusion yet... based on his previous play where he 2x potted the river with the bottom of a straight, I would definitely lean towards a call as he has shown to over value marginal hands. Also, I'm not sticking a raise in there unless I'm willing to stack off, but you are planning to jam river anyway... so I'd call in your shoes. Now time to watch and see!!!

[@17johari]

What do you think of his decision?

[@bryanwoodcock3011]

Love your candor and honesty. Thanks for being real. Very insightful.

[@benomadic8150]

Pocket Queens "How much am I going to lose this time?" - me....every time lol. Thanks Lex!

[@scottwhitworth2023]

The worst thing you can do is kick yourself after a wrong decision. Just like folding a hand like 7 3 off suit and the flop comes 7 7 3. ( Happened to me) You cant let it drive your decision making. Brush it off and get to the next hand. Sometimes these small losses serve you greater in the long run. No one plays perfect poker. Its impossible. Play consistent , dont try and bluff too much, and dont let your emotions run your game for you. Think. Thats all. Watch and think. Usually a bit of logical deduction will help you prevail.

[@michaelsweaney3890]

Lex, in your hand with QQ, your making the assumption that the villains thought process is advanced as yours.

[@akitoyeptho8775]

you sharing what u go through in poker is why i love your vlogs.. keep up the good run

[@ScaredMoney-Poker]

Gucci Lex! Thanks for the "Scared Money" shout out...LOL! This yet another example of why you have one of my fav vlogs to watch and why I recommend your vlog to my followers. I believe that there a group of watchers that appreciated the honesty... that watch vlogs to gain insight into the game, and not watch bad play that gets lucky, or vloggers that punt off stacks in an attempt to increase their "brand". As for the Q,Q hand... I think the challenge is that you did not trust your initial read of the villain's starting range. His Raise/Call Preflop... takes out A,A...K,K... and really A,K suited. So your 4-bet was... thinking he was on 8,8 to Q,Q or maybe A,K off, was solid. When He Calls your $800 on the Flop... The range you had placed him on is still in play... (A,K off would most likely fold to your $800 bet). A,5 suited may be (have been) an option, but was NOT part of your initial read... The Turn 3 of Clubs doesnt really affect the initial range you put him on... SO, your play of a half pot bet, with a river shove was fine IF you had the intent to Call or Fold if the River came and Ace, Jack or 10... (personally, I dont see many solid players calling a 4 bet preflop against a tight image player with 8,8 or 9,9)... I think the problem was, you made a very common error that most make when moving up in stakes... You RE-RANGED him WIDER after his action... meaning, you brought in new hands he could have, which confused the situation. An opponents Range should get tighter with each street. IF you had him on A,5 suited, A, 3 suited or 3,3 preflop... then this is a check on the Turn and a Fold to his bet and you would have been ok with your decision regardless of what he showed. Since your gut did not include these hands initially... you went against your read which may account for some of the frustration when he showed the 9, 9. Just my opinion.

[@blue4life175]

Great job choosing to step outside to reground yourself and shake off the tilt/steam! That’s a winning strategy that most players don’t implement enough! Keep doing what you’re doing, learning from your mistakes and not letting tilt control your emotions/game. Respect! 👊

[@tomprice4016]

Yeah, rough ride there. But coming home to something that is thrilled to see you and gives you unconditional love never gets old.

[@harrystathas6459]

Lex, as you were playing the hand I was saying fold. The guy just made a great bet at the right time. I really like your vlogs, keep up the good work.

[@vidteacher]

Lex is always bringing the authenticity. Having never played, and prolly never will, at these stakes, i listened for your read if he would be good enough to not 4- or 5-bet (I forget which) AA/KK but I don’t recall you having a strong read either way. You don’t go on a 100k upswing by making bad calls, so in the grand scheme it was one buy-in of profit missed. It sucks and it sucks showing it for everyone but it’ll be forgotten by the next vlog. Hell I have monsters under the bed syndrome at 1/2!😂😂😂 Thanks for the content sir! Hope the run good keeps coming ur way!

[@jidge10]

Hey Lex, love your vlogs! I think your QQ vs. 99 hand was ok to fold. But maybe in future games of this size you can profile this type of new player as someone who will attempt to pressure you with their large stack.

[@tomwickes9059]

Always best vlogs are showing the good along with the bad , def part of everyone's game

[@davidgeorgecross815]

Great vlog/ outro discussion was pure gold 👌

[@IconicGamers]

You've been playing so much better lately. Keep it up Lex

[@davidl2048]

I watch your videos all the time. I really like them. I have to admit that I perceive that you play scared often. You will gain confidence. You are a solid player.

[@Minnowman2024]

Great video dude! Tough decision with that $25k bet. I’ve never played that high of stakes, not sure what I would’ve done

[@stu_gahtz1740]

Appreciate your transparency LEX. Just went on an 8k upswing and now im on a 5k downswing and sometimes i think watching a lot of vloggers it looks like theyre always winning cause they dont upload to many losses if any. GGs

[@cameronandrew1853]

Cough Mariano cough

[@fazsiddiqui7152]

Appreciate your honesty Lex o . Keepin it real bro 👍🏻! Guy from Pak you met in Bellagio 😁

[@mrc144]

You are now my favorite poker vlogger after this video. So real and refreshing! Thank you for awesome content.

[@mrbill9294]

LOL, call this donkey faster than a fart in a wind tunnel.

[@brettblaster]

Always keepin it real! Keep up the good work

[@danmichaels6332]

I wanted you to call while I was watching the vlog. But if I was playing I probably would have folded also. Good honest vlog.

[@easymoney7007]

That was a great play with the pocket 99's. Used the big stack to perfection, once in a while skill plays out. But that only works verses a thinking player.

[@danielcsonka8605]

Yo dude been watching you since the Flagler days. Way to to go! I've folded those ladies preflop still makes me wonder. Good fold. Goooosfraba. Goooosbabha 😅

[@lw4164]

Love u Lex, just being critical, great vlogs keep it up🤙

[@newspaperman281]

The moment he shoved. I thought to myself, he's going with his lesser pair. Thinking if im beat I'm beat. He's got 💰. Enjoying ur vlog.

[@tbonemalone3786]

Lex, you and Mariano are my fave bloggers because of the way you recap your thought processes by hand and describe your general headspace post game. I think the QQ hand colored the way you played the 76H hand due to tilt/recency bias. You jumped up in stakes in this game and perhaps that’s why you played a bit tenuously but not badly at all. Poker like many skill games requires both the memory of an elephant in certain aspects and amnesia in others. Wild. GG and look forward to your next vlog.

[@dspatchin]

I think you hit the nail on the head. The pot and game FELT big to you. Big games feel scary, thus monsters under the bed. Just 2 years ago you'd have played scared at 5/10. Don't let it get you down...you have been playing great, growing your bankroll, building your confidence on streams, etc. You will get there...give yourself some grace and time.

[@jeffd5859]

Love the honesty. I fight the Monsters too.

[@mr.c5709]

LOL. I'm feeling the steam tilt with you.

[@karlnelson335]

Pocket Queens hand is good example of why I personally don't like playing at big stack tables, where there is a person that doesn't care about money... they can put you into a blender and it's very frustrating. Hindsight 20/20... it appeared that your plan was to get the money in from the start, by raising to $2K... his jam was a good move on his part, with his weaker hand... put the brakes on you. Been there... it sucks! I don't know what I've done if I were in your spot. You evaluated it for what it was worth at the time... I feel your pain brother. You'll catch'em next time.

[@JoseBenitez-go5os]

You did explain that situation wonderful not every time you are in top of the game

[@helenrachel1479]

I can understand your logic with the 4 bet pre flop oh well happens to us all better luck next time. I still love watching you play ❤️

[@meddem7060]

10:56 the flop is not in your your range, so he could think you bluff. You were on scary money. Just ask yourself what is the right desicion, regardless the amount of money. Imagine its 1cent/2cent. Even with that small amounts, you have to play well. Sorry if I sound like a smartass... it's always easy taking, when you're not the one who is under pressure. Thanks for your videos and showing your poker journey. Gosh, you have such a great dog! Forget all the smartass advice I gave. The best thing you can do is, spend as much time as possible with this wonderfull friend you have. No amount of money can buy quality time with your best furry friend.

[@grimscar]

I feel your pain Lex, these people who have so much money and make donk calls with rags. Dude should have never been in the hand with Q4. Insane. Tonight I had AQ in a 1/3 game, limped to me, I made it $36 to go from the button. BB calls, UTG1 calls. Flop is QQ7. Turn 10, River 2. I bet $16 on the flop, then BB raises to $60, UTG calls $60, I re-raise all-in for $200. Both call. BB had flat called with KK (drunk recreational player, was losing money all night). UTG1 (a regular) had Q2, spiked the boat on the river to beat my AQ. I fold most of my hands, and when I have great cards, I bet them hard, get my money in ahead, then lose. The more money in the pot, the more likely I am to get drawn out on. My QQ vs 10-8 preflop all-in for $250, lose. My AKs vs AQo preflop all-in for $600, lose. My AQ vs insane drunk: I raise $60 preflop, he calls, flop Q-10-8, he goes all-in just like he has done on every flop the last 10 hands (and lost like $5000). I call, but this time, he had J-9 and flopped a straight.

[@lesmarston7587]

Lex, Lex, Lex. You had to call the Queens. Without a doubt!

[@martymeyer4125]

Got to show the bad plays, as well as the good. Well done!

[@TheMomentEnds1]

Like others probably said- History: New player had not seen before Bought in 40k Bet big with small straight on paired Played many hands Probably wearing a 25k watch Hand: Called 4-bet pre Prob read $2k bet on turn as small But mostly, it’s a player dependent thing Great vlog !

[@tcwhiting]

At least your man enough to admit when your having a “scary mental” day!!! That earns respect in my mind.. because you didn’t have to be open like that… so respect bro.. it’s one hand .. from theory angle you made the right fold.. don’t sweat it.. just move on and keep grinding

[@michaelmarsico9740]

Lex.. I think just calling with the nut straight was the right play. He bet polarizing, and he’s probably not calling if you raise either. Great video as always!

[@ianshirreffs5604]

As long as you believe you made the right fold in the moment, that's what counts bc you don't want this hand to affect any decisions in the future. 😀

[@graemekrone6436]

Since it's your money, I would call with the queens, Haha! Pura Vida Lex!

[@kylethomas4345]

Lolol this funny tho lex. Hard call. But the steam coming out your ears is funny shit

[@seekingbalance7314]

Just another comment from the masses but regarding the QQ hand, I think you should reread your buddy's texts. Its obviously a close spot, but the 2 guys (middle & right text) really give you some great advice. In a vacuum & against the population this hand is a fold. But, against specific villian's, it becomes closer to a call. I think in close spots like this, that's the next level of information you need to process. In these big games, these super wealthy businessmen essentially derive their edge by exactly what this guy did, max pressure. It's what Blank Check Ben does all the time at HCL, and why he wants "people to have 100% of themselves". Against another grinder, this hand is almost a snap fold. Against a weathly businessman who doesn't care about the dollar amount, this crosses over into a call, and I believe that's how you described this villian. Tough spot, and even tougher when you're essentially shot taking. Good luck.

[@Abdullah-pj6sp]

Tough hand Lex. Good fold

[@barry_g8443]

Hind sight is 20/20 vision. Pocket queen's is one of the toughest hand to play when the money goes in. Well done for keeping your cool.

[@pelicanproperties]

Actually it's possible that what happened is the villain got lucky with four undercards on the board to his 99. There's just a 14% chance of that happening with 99. He probably thought he was good. He thought Lex had the AK, AQ (giving six outs) and thought Lex was semi-bluffing and drawing to the over-card. He shoved all in to protect his 99 from a river A, K or Q.

[@libertyforamericanow]

That guy who bluffed you is how i plan on playing after i hit the power ball this year. Im gonna be putting people to the test.

[@maikijs5]

I think everything is fine.Various factors that can affect not playing an A+ game and this is normal.I like that you are open mind.😎

[@fenceman95]

I loved it when you said "Oh Shit" how much am I gonna lose with QQ this time. lol

[@fcohiya8403]

What a tilt session. Handle well nice job

[@donaldbrown992]

Would have made crying call but for different reasons, getting 4+/1 if opponent has over pair think we would have gotten all in preflop. Keep up the great content..enjoy your vlogs

[@rorypicaut9742]

Thanks for the vlog. I would’ve called I think he shoved because you played like you had AK and he was ahead of that hand. JMO

[@JimmyPockettsPoker]

10:55 Given that player type you described, I would call him there, I put him on a flush draw. I thought it would be unlikely for him to have a straight or trips in his range for a 4bet pot. Also if he had AAs or KKs he probably would 5bet jam pre. I might fold to a tighter player

[@pokeristherootofallevil5553]

Tough hand with the queens. My thoughts, not that they are necessarily always correct either, is that when the player is rec or unknown, I lean more toward putting him on lower overpairs in this spot since generally they are trying to "protect" from overcards thinking that you are "bluffing" with big cards a good amount of the time. It's much easier calling for 1K in my 2/5 game though, so I get it. Of course whenever I call in this spot, I get shown AA every time 😂

[@colematthies5676]

In my opinion you have to call with Queens, you 4-bet and he doesn’t 5 bet, most of the time Kings and Aces will 5- bet. Also because all of the cards were low cards we can probably eliminate sets. He also bought in for a lot so he is more likely to have less regard for the money as he has 4x your stack. Basically, you are only being beat by Aces or Kings and since no 5-bet I believe you have to call. Can’t let the stakes affect your decision, I believe you would have made the call at lower stakes

[@MJKINC]

Thank you for your self diagnosis. You had the right reads, until those Monsters got you too turn and run. Those calls will come in time. Now you know what the 40K was all about. All in all a good game!

[@overthehilldill3626]

Never play scared. That's always been my motto.

[@SerpentStar_]

I would CALL! It’s called gambling for a reason AND Lex O folded that FLUSH in Vegas. We’re in the exact same boat here. However I would fold and give up if that’s all the money I had on the spot. Got to buy food for myself and puppers 🐶

[@SerpentStar_]

Ha! Remember the poker song by Kenny Rogers folks - Every hand is a winner and every hand is a loser. You got to know when hold ‘em know when to fold ‘em 🎵🎶

[@JJ-vk6co]

“Literally steam coming out of me ears.” 😂💀

[@magiclegoman4]

When we see how he played the k2 I think it makes this hand a pretty clear call

[@mikeprice5755]

That’s a narrow way to view it imo, villain could be hoping to exploit that type of thinking with a value hand. Although in this case it turns out villains just batshit crazy 😂

[@jakeadams0412]

Only tell is the flat call pre. AA or KK would likely re-raise there most often. Guess i have to call the shove in this spot, though it sure feels like a cooler.

[@ericpaczkowski4804]

Hey man, I get the monsters under the bed syndrome. You did what you thought was best. I suffer from this from time to time also....Don’t feel bad brother!

[@pokerviews2003]

Ouch. Big stack poker

[@ivoplsek]

for me your blog is now getting better than Brad’s..you are keeping it real and I am learning from this. Good hard blue labor work on KZbin, keep it coming Lex!

[@jeremydomin7671]

Agree, ever since Brad went corporate he’s harder to watch because the size of stakes is totally unrelatable to most poker players.

[@stevebell6094]

Lex you are human, don't beat yourself up. Love your vlogs.

[@JorgeTorres-tx3rq]

That was my exact thought. The way it played out just felt so much like an over pair that was never folding the turn so he just comit to it at that point going all in for “protection”

[@DragonRollYumYum]

I would go all in with someone else's money :) Yes I would definitely do that.

[@joes11]

That’s a good fold Lex. You’re almost always beat in that spot.

[@michaelcannon3816]

Lex, rough result but love the way you play. I dont think it was a bad fold because i think A3o is in his 4 bet defend range. He later played Q4off in a single raised pot. I could be wrong but if A3 off is in your opponent's 4 bet call range then I think it is a slam dunk fold. I guess it depends on how many more turn bluffs with a flat 4 bet range that includes A-x he picks up. I would hope he is folding out A6-A9 and Kx Qx to a 4 bet. So I think this board nails that range. And I don't think he is capable of bluffing here with a balanced frequency here. So i think he has way more value here where QQ is in rough shape. Although im not sure if his jam was for value/protection or as a bluff lol. Regardless, I felt tilted with you. I think you absolutely did the right thing and didn't get paid this time. Next hand bud.

[@scottwhitworth2023]

Frankly speaking, it would depend largely on my stack size. You still have one card to go and an invested $3000... You can't win if you don't call. If you couldn't afford it you would not be playing at these stakes. I would have folded earlier in the hand...NOT after I bet that much. You have already passed the threshold to fold. You are now committed. CALL!

[@tlea31]

Hi Lex being a four bet pot we can filter out a lot of possible hands. Im not sure how often he would have a 3 here. 56 suited should also not be calling a 4 bet in this configuration. The hands that beat you are four combos of A5 suited, and pocket aces and kings that decided not to 5 bet. His bluffs come from AK-AT of clubs that floated on the flop. Mayb not ideal that you have a club in your hand but it is what it is. Somewhat concerning that, if he had 99-JJ, he may just elect to call in position, using these hands as a bluffcatcher. Mind you, if he has JJ without a club he may decide to hell with it, lets just get it in. All in all I think you need to find some calls here that are not AA or KK. I would stick the money in. You have some AK combos yourself that would play this way but can now safely give up.

[@zeekus2222]

Calling or folding that turn jam when you have QQ on 2c3d4h 3c is fine. Maybe having a solution of bet fold or bet call before you lead the turn would be good =). Obviously the part of playing pots OOP that sucks.

[@acesmallpoker4626]

Lex, absolutely appreciate your videos! QQ hand would tell me that you are playing bigger than you should here?

[@jacobwilson7301]

Lex that hand where you had 67 for the straight should never raise to a 2x pot bet. He just so happened to have literally the only “value” you beat and I think he folds to raise at that point. You still lose to any full house and that is really what he’s repping with that bet size. Good content as always!

[@agplabs]

Lex and the queens. He always has queens. lol.

[@jamesbond1068]

U guna be on TILT FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR !! Sincerely the poker Gods ! 😆😆😆😆😆

[@kfullmer89]

That's a tough spot but before you shared your action I went with "call". I think the psychology of going for thousands of dollars like that with a one pair hand can certainly affect the decision.

[@pumpitdumpit]

I paused. Might have AK of clubs went all in on flush draw.. also would hope he has JJ 1010.... I think you were committed to call...his 40k buyin...

[@ArchMontoya]

He already played with K2 against you. With 40k stack he would five bet raise you preflop with AA,KK,JJ. You have committed 45% of your chips to win 70/30 odds. You need bigger balls overall or go back to 2/5

[@garysayunts262]

Don't feel bad it's tough spot but I will say if u in hand agaisnt an opponent tht covers you and you out of position and you have decent stack yrlsf then either u gotta go with your hand and put it allin or pot control yrslf and not bet as large...since you made all those decent size bets. it sux but you have to go with yr hand...specially since u said you were planning on jamming the river...just something to think abt in future... I'm sire u had to consider wht the plan was going to be if he jams once u bet 2k on turn...BTW love the content and keep up the good work you are excellent player I always look forward to yr vedios.

[@mattieuspeirs8369]

I would’ve folded the QQ in that spot. I do agree with a comment suggesting however that if you don’t have a plan for being check raised after betting 2k on the turn. You should be checking back turn, it reduces these types of nightmare situations and it allows the opponent to bluff rivers.

[@vincentbaca790]

It's so easy after the hand...would I have called the 25000? Who knows...sometimes you just have to go with your gut or just say screw it.and make the call...it's truly your decision...After hearing your thoughts, I actually thought you were going to call...still, enjoy your analysis...favorite blogger Lex...keep grinding...

[@vwscottvw]

Hey Lex! I know QQ stands out but I think there is another hand that is quite interesting. That is the straight you made when your nemesis made the lower straight with K2. You mentioned as you were scooping the pot that you were wishing you had raised. I think you made the right play and you should credit yourself for it. How often is your opponent going to call a raise with just a 2? Sure could happen sometimes yet I think it is unlikely. Great video. Give yourself credit where it is due for the hands that you scoop. Cheers!

[@MysteriousMM]

You made the right decision folding pocket queens. That’s just like saying I had pocket 2’s and folded preflop and it hit. You played right. He just outplayed you. Tip your hat 🧢 and move on

[@Author-dad-veteran]

Ouch for those qq’s. But the maths only works over many many hands so you have to always play the odds. At least you know you played it right, win or lose.

[@supersmoo7377]

Lex it’s not “faint some weakness”; it’s “feign some weakness”. Just letting you know.

[@jcsoundguy]

I'm never folding with QQ there. I know its a lot of money, but the price is right and you're hand is to strong. If I had 99 or even 1010, I can fold but not QQ. Any guy that can buy in for 40K is capable of doing this with any pair. The money doesn't matter to him.

[@mikewilliams3509]

I knew u were gonna fold them queens lol

[@adcscooter4517]

I think you have to call and pray with QQ there.

[@SithLordLerg]

Watch every vlog and never critise a hand but that QQ i think you always have to call. He's bought in super deep to be able to do exactly that. You've already ruled out any set combinations and I think A5 either let's go or 5 bets pre with this type of player. I gave him AKcc at best. But it is much easier to think like this when you're not at the table and your money isn't at risk. Certainly not the worst fold. Tough tough one ❤

[@ryanreid5859]

This is what happens when you play above your bankroll

[@richlibertine7011]

A couple bottles of liquid courage and you’ll be calling everything lol. The only thing I can think of is to beat him to the all-in and put him in the situation you were in. I would’ve folded too