A Last Dance

Quiet Englishman Neil Budgen, an investment banker and computer expert, has reached the final two in a high-roller poker tournament in Las Vegas. His opponent for the $100,000 prize is a loud, brash American named Vernon Reid. Vernon is in complete control as Neil can’t pick up a single decent hand. During a short break in proceedings, Vernon ups his level of assault on the meek and considered Neil, and he continues to belittle his fellow finalist. The assembled spectators lap up his American bombast. It is when Vernon begins boasting that he is a successful ranch owner in Texas. Neil decides to text a friend who is also a tech wizard. Something about Vernon doesn’t ring true. For instance, his accent doesn’t sound like an authentic Texan. As they reconvene, a message comes through to Neil’s phone: Vernon Reid is a fraud. He is not a wealthy Texan cattle ranch owner; instead, he runs a small sheep farm in Wyoming. As the play continues, Neil begins to release this information, which immediately unsettles the American, who makes a schoolboy error and loses his hand. A rattled Vernon realises he’s been rumbled and decides to end Neil’s tournament there, and then, He goes all in on a hand, which he loses. Both players’ stacks are identical. Even more agitated, Vernon suggests they both go all-in blind, pre-flop. Neil agrees, and the excited noise around the table becomes immense as the dealer deals the cards. Both players push all their chips into the centre of the table and only then turn over their cards. Vernon reveals a much better hand, and as the flop comes down, his chances are improved as he makes a pair. However, on the turn, Neil also makes a pair, but a lower one than the American. The river card is revealed, and both players sink into their seats, exclaiming, “I’ don’t believe it.” The crowd goes wild, but who has won?