Naming one person to be the best poker player of all time It’s a challenging task indeed. After all, every player has their unique style and strategy, often adapting to different stakes. Some chase tournament glory while others prefer the steady grind of cash games. There’s also a wide range of... poker games at which assorted players excel.
There's no denying that Phil Ivey is always in the conversation when it comes to the best ever. Just hearing tales of his mind-boggling plays, which Barry Greenstein has referred to as 'soul reading', is enough to make one excited. Observing Ivey's thought process unfold in real time is truly astonishing.
While many of Ivey’s most distinguished plays may take place in cash games behind closed doors, there is ample evidence on television that supports his claim to be one of the best in the business.
Here we present a compelling compilation of Ivey's illustrious achievements. poker If Ivey were an actor, he would have numerous Academy Awards to his name. As a pop musician, he would top the charts with multiple gold records. Yet as a poker legend, these stunning performances at the felt are remarkable for their ability to either accumulate or safeguard winnings.
Forcing the Opponent's Hand – Phil Ivey vs Phil Hellmuth
Let's call it the showdown of the Phils. In this encounter, two of the most renowned poker players in the world go head-to-head.
This poker hand This match, featuring Ivey, Hellmuth, Tom Dwan, and Patrick Antonius, begins with Hellmuth leading with tens while Ivey is lagging behind with a 6,8 off-suit. Ivey makes a bold move by betting $2,500, and all the other players decide to call.
However, the dynamics shift dramatically with the flop coming down 10, 9, 7. Hellmuth has hit a set, while Ivey has completed a straight. Ivey places a standard bet of $8,000. Everyone folds except for Hellmuth, who calls, confident he holds the best hand.
An inconsequential card appears on the turn, prompting Ivey to raise the stakes with a $23,000 bet.
Perhaps thinking he could either drive Ivey out of the hand or win it at showdown, Hellmuth pushes all-in, wagering $80,300. Ivey responds by calling, having enticed Hellmuth into committing all his chips.
Upon revealing their cards, it’s clear that Ivey’s straight has beaten Hellmuth’s trips.
Recognizing his predicament, Hellmuth attempts to negotiate an insurance deal on the hand. Unfortunately for him, no one is willing to take his unusual offer.
A trivial three shows up on the river, and Hellmuth can only lament, 'I finally set a trap for someone... I had the top set, and then he had 6, 8—a painful outcome for me.'
The table erupts with laughter at the misfortune of the Poker Brat.
The Master of Deception – Phil Ivey vs Mike Matusow
In a heated match characterized by verbal jabs, Mike Matusow and Phil Ivey face off—Matusow with a pair of Kings, while Ivey goes all-in with an A♠️4♠️.
Matusow initiates the betting, and Ivey alongside David Benyamine decides to call, bringing the pot to $15,800.
- The flop comes 4♣️ 6♣️ J♥️.
- Matusow continues to bet; Benyamine folds, and Ivey calls, increasing the pot to $37,800.
- The turn reveals the Jack of ♣️, and when the river brings the 7 of ♣️, Ivey opts to check.
- Matusow bets $15,000.
Although holding a weak hand, Ivey surprisingly chooses to re-raise, suggesting he might have a full house or at least an ace-high flush.
This bold move catches Matusow off guard, especially with $104,800 now in play.
An announcer speculates, 'I have an inkling that Mike will call this.'
Matusow considers folding but hesitates, aware that his fellow players would likely ridicule him for backing down with what could be a winning hand.
But will he really do it? Could Ivey’s poker bluff Why would he drop out against the player who led the action from the start?
It’s clear something in Matusow’s bet caught Ivey’s attention, prompting him to go after the chips. Matusow, trying to read Ivey, questions him, but Ivey remains tight-lipped.
At long last, Matusow decides to fold. Ivey calmly states, 'I had the Ace.'
He isn’t stretching the truth since he indeed held an Ace, albeit not the one he suggested. This adds an element of intrigue for Matusow.
Extracting Maximum Value with Quadruples – Phil Ivey vs Sam Greenwood
Phil Ivey's opponents often find themselves at a disadvantage, even when he’s holding weaker hands. This illustrates Ivey's strategic brilliance and his skill in manipulating the game.
However, when he finally picks up a pair of Aces in a high-stakes tournament, unfortunate players who challenge him are likely in for a costly confrontation.
Such was the fate of Sam Greenwood, who began the hand with King 8 of ♣️, only to flop four to a flush.
In a twist of fate, one of those three cards turned out to be the Ace of clubs—the most unlikely scenario for him. poker hand probabilities .
- Ivey, holding a set of Aces, bets 200,000. Greenwood feels compelled to call.
- When Ivey reveals his fourth Ace on the turn, one might think that's no big deal given Ivey’s reaction.
- He checks, and Greenwood follows suit.
There remains a glimmer of hope for Sam to escape the hand as long as he avoids a lucky or unlucky draw on the river.
With the Jack of ♣️ hitting, Ivey finds himself in an enviable position.
Holding Four-of-a-Kind while Greenwood has the nut flush, Ivey bets 400,000. Greenwood, thinking he has the upper hand, raises to 950,000. Ivey shoves the rest of his chips—all Greenwood can do now is call.
Naturally, he makes the call. Ivey reveals his four Aces as Greenwood stands up to leave, heading to the rail as Ivey scoops nearly 9 million chips.
“What a river run; what an incredible hand,” the announcer exclaims. “That’s utterly insane.”
Who would argue?
Reading Minds – Phil Ivey vs Tony G.
The commentator for a high-stakes deep-stack tournament acknowledges that Phil Ivey is going to be a true challenge for his opponents.
People playing against him might find it quite tough, but for those of us who enjoy watching, it’s going to be an entertaining spectacle.
Ivey acts first, raising with King Jack suited while Tony G. counters with a pair of 6s.
Tony G. flops a set, while Ivey gets a second King. Although Ivey now holds a top pair, he’s potentially in a precarious position. However, when he hits a Jack on the turn, he gains two pairs, which can increase the danger.
Unfazed by the risks, Ivey over-bets, bringing the total to 660,000 chips. poker chips value in the pot.
Tony G. then pushes all-in, escalating the stakes to 4,050,000.
- How does a player of Ivey's caliber navigate this tense situation?
- He might have the best hand.
- Or maybe he doesn’t.
Ivey remains composed, while Tony G. appears disinterested. Ivey evaluates the hand and could easily move all-in.
Yet, he stops, demonstrating that poker genius is just as much about the hands you decide to let go as it is about the hands you choose to play.
This defensive maneuver not only saves Phil Ivey's tournament life but also adds to his legendary status.