Liv Boeree’s breakdown of a critical hand during the 2024 WSOP Paradise Super Main Event sheds light on the psychological aspects of poker, especially when it comes to reading an opponent’s bluff. Let’s dive into the details of the hand and some insightful strategies she shared.
Hand Overview
The hand took place in the Bahamas, in a $25,000 buy-in event, with $6 million up top. At this stage, there were 83 players remaining from the 1,978 entries. Liv Boeree had a solid chip stack of 20 million, while Marcelo Aziz had the covering stack with 29 million. The blinds were 125K/250K with a 250K big blind ante.
Boeree is known for her analytical approach to poker, given her background in physics and astrophysics, which she credits for developing her logical thinking and strong mathematical skills—both of which are crucial in poker.
The Key Hand: A Psychological Breakdown
As the hand unfolds, Aziz’s actions caught Boeree’s attention, giving her a valuable insight into his possible holding. Here’s how she broke it down:
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Aziz’s long tank before betting: Boeree noticed that Aziz was taking his time before making a decision. A common sign, according to Boeree, is that when a player delays their bet and looks at the dealer, they might be contemplating a bluff or unsure about their hand. This discomfort is often a tell that they are trying to work up the courage to bluff or are uncertain about their hand strength.
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The full pot-size bet on the river: When Aziz finally decided to bet the full pot-size on the river, Boeree recognized it as a polarized bet. In other words, Aziz was either trying to represent a very strong hand (for value) or he was bluffing—there wasn’t much middle ground. This is a critical insight into his strategy and something that skilled players like Boeree are always aware of.
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The psychological factors at play: Boeree highlighted an essential aspect of reading opponents: fear vs. excitement. When a player makes a huge bet like that, it often reveals a lot about their emotional state. Excitement and fear tend to manifest in similar ways—sweating, nervousness, and heavy breathing.
Reading the Tell: ‘He Was Sweating’
Boeree’s keen observation of Aziz’s physical response was crucial. Aziz started sweating, which is a clear sign of nervousness. This physical tell is often seen in players who are bluffing because they are not comfortable with their bet. Their body betrays their emotions as they try to maintain a poker face.
Boeree further explained that when a player is bluffing and sweating, it’s often a sign that fear is dominating. She mentioned that if they’re bluffing, their nerves will persist throughout the decision-making process. On the other hand, players with strong hands tend to be more composed because they are confident in their bet.
Boeree’s Strategy: Trusting Your Instincts
For Boeree, reading the bluff wasn’t just about the technical play on the board but about paying attention to the psychological cues. She recommends that players focus on:
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Observing your opponent’s physical tells: Are they sweating? Are they fidgeting or shaking? These are indicators that can help you figure out whether they’re bluffing or not.
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Noticing behavioral changes: If the player’s excitement or fear is sustained throughout the hand, it often suggests they are bluffing. A more composed player is likely holding a strong hand.
Liv Boeree’s Career-Best Finish
After this wild hand, Boeree would go on to make the final table of the WSOP Super Main Event and eventually finish in 4th place. This result earned her a career-best score of $2.8 million—an impressive feat in a tournament of such magnitude.
Final Thoughts
Boeree’s ability to read her opponent’s tells and her mental preparation were key to her success at the WSOP Super Main Event. The hand with Marcelo Aziz is a perfect example of how psychological factors, such as nervousness and sweating, can be powerful clues in determining whether an opponent is bluffing or holding a strong hand.
Her analysis reminds us that poker is as much about psychology as it is about cards and math. By staying observant and paying attention to the small details, you can significantly improve your ability to read your opponents and make more informed decisions.
