Down and Up For Portano

Omaha 8/b

Desmond Portano opened with a raise, and Eric Buchman three-bet from the small blind. Michele Limongi cold-called in the big, and Portano matched the bet to proceed three-handed. He had just 79,000 chips behind.

The dealer spread out {7-Hearts} {10-Spades} {J-Spades} , and Buchman continued out with a bet. Limongi quickly folded, Portano called (with 49,000 behind), and the {J-Hearts} appeared on fourth street. Buchman's big bet of 60,000 was the decisive one for Portano, and he spent a long minute or so thinking it over before surrendering, electing to save those 49,000 chips for a better spot.

Like, the next hand, for example.

Portano shoved his last 49,000 under the gun, and only John Monnette called from the big blind. Portano was at risk, and the cards were on their backs.

Showdown
Portano: {2-Hearts} {4-Hearts} {8-Hearts} {Q-Diamonds}
Monnette: {3-Hearts} {3-Diamonds} {7-Clubs} {J-Hearts}