What do you think of this play then, worthy of a pro? With about 25 left he raises with AJ, gets re raised by the CL, and pushes for his tournament life. CL shows pocket tens, and Niall ( i think thats his name) binks an ace. A lot of chat on the rails about this play, would you push for your life with AJ?
Firstly Mikey, you"re a braver man than I to take on second guessing any play this guy makes. He is truly a top top player.
After the tourney I was lucky to sit and have a couple of drinks with Niall ( "The Pro" ), JohnMW and Richard Hinds. We talked a lot of poker, as you do and tbf Niall is on a different level when it comes to understanding the game. My head still hurts after some of the analysis.
What you miss about the AJ spot is the history between the two players and specifically "The Pros" image and resultant perceived range.
If "The Pro" is raising 40% (likely conservative) 44+,A2s+,K2s+,Q4s+,J7s+,T7s+,97s+,87s,A2o+,K7o+,Q8o+,J8o+,T9o then the CL"r can and should 3bet at least 20% 66+,A4s+,K8s+,Q9s+,J9s+,T9s,A9o+,KTo+,QTo+,JTo.
Versus that 3bet range AJ has 55% equity and 4b shoving will show a profit for sure. I"m quite sure there are huge psychological implications to the play also. ie. "You might be chipleader but I"m the boss at this table so you"d be well advised to stay out of my way!"