The hand that almost won me $10,000!

I was in Las Vegas with a group of friends to play in the World Series of Poker. We were there to play in Event #17 which was a $1000 No Limit Hold'em tourney.

One of us made it to the money, and I made it to 449th. There were 2891 players in the tourney, so I was definitely happy with my play.

With three days to go in the Vegas, we decided to play in some tourneys at Ceasar's Palace. They host a very nice game, and there were some great payouts! Always a good combination in my book.

Wednesday night we played in a tourney and I watched as my friends were knocked out one-by-one. I won a few pots and was able to stay alive.

The tourney was paying 10 places, and there were 12 left. I was low stacked with about 17000 chips. The average stack was around 35000 chips.

I am sitting at one of two tables still in play, and I am dealt pocket Kings in late position. The play is not as good as I would have hoped, and I have found that most players play their aces hard.

The blinds were 400/800 with a 100 ante.

I get three callers in front of me, and I decide to min-raise to 1200 chips. The button and the blinds fold, and the three callers all push all-in.

Now I have a decision.

I started to think outloud and tried to put players on certain hands. I figured two of them for having an Ace with a big kicker like Jack or Queen. The third guy I put on pocket 8's.

I called. The three guys turned over AJ/AQ and A9.

I was WAY AHEAD in the hand. There was only one Ace left in the deck, and that was basically the only card that could hurt me at this point. I was a 96% favorite against three players and ready to quad up.

Winning this hand would put one player out, severely cripple two others and give me an almost insurmountable chip lead.

First place in this tourney was $9,800. It was all mine!

Here comes the flop and wouldn't you know it...the Ace is the first card off the deck.

Ok, so that stung a lot! Not only am I out, but I don't get paid.

It was indicitive of my week in Vegas, good cards, good play and nothing to show for it buy a few really good stories.

We're going back next year....and I'll definitely come back with a win!