Maximizing Value and Controlling the Pot Size Simultaneously

Gaelle BaumannMaximizing value and controlling the size of the pot sound like two competing concepts. While watching ESPN's coverage of the 2016 World Series of Poker Main Event, I saw a player put both skills into practice simultaneously. The hand was included in Episode 3 and is between Gaelle Baumann and Drew Dumanski.

Preflop: Four-Bet or Call with Ace-King?

The hand comes from Day 5 when there were about 230 players left. With the blinds at 12,000/24,000 with a 4,000 ante, Baumann began with 1.75 million while Dumanski had 1.9 million.

Baumann starts the hand by opening to 55,000 from three off the button with . Action folds around to Dumanski on the button and he decides to three-bet to…