17 of 180

Grab your tissues, this one is a heartbreaker.

I could not have played better poker tonight at this tourney. I never made one play that I regretted all night. The only regrets I had were some hands I thought about playing but opted to fold. But that is good. That means my starting requirements were high, and I climbed steadily throughout.

I sat at the penultimate table, awaiting my opportunity. I didn't get much to work with, so fold, fold, fold. Finally, I limped in with QT clubs, hoping for some action with a great multi-way hand. There was one call and the big blind.

Flop came Jack high, all clubs. I'm sitting on a Q high flush.

I made the token minimum $800 bet, hoping to find some action. The next bettor raised to $2000 and the blind got out of our way. I raised half my stack, about $4500, looking for a call, which I got.

Turn came Jack. Real good chance he has a jack, so I go all in. He quickly calls.

We flip our cards. He has AJ no club.

I double up unless the board pairs.

Not only did a hard rain fall, but it was his fourth Jack.