WITH FIVE players left at the 2006 World Series of Poker, the following hand came up between top pro Allen Cunningham and eventual winner Jamie Gold. At the time, Gold was the chip leader with $44.7 million and Cunningham was in third place with $13.7 million. With blinds at $150,000 to $300,000 Cunningham opened for $900,000 with Ac-10c, Gold called on the button with 8s-8d, and Paul Wasicka called $600,000 more in the big blind with Js-10h.

The flop came down Ah-8c-2s. What a dream flop for Gold, and conversely, a nightmare flop for Cunningham. Wasicka checked, Cunningham bet $1 million, Gold studied for a second and called, and Wasicka folded. By just calling on the flop, Gold was attempting to trap Cunningham, an advanced play I would rate as a good one. On the other hand, I wouldn't mind seeing Gold make a raise here of $1.5 million or so. This would force Cunningham to call if he had an ace, and perhaps move all-in if he had A-K, A-Q, A-8 or A-2.

The next card off was the 6d; Cunningham checked, and now Gold checked quickly. I don't like Gold's check here. Why not bet something small like $1 million or $2 million? This way, Cunningham has to call you if he has an ace, or he might get crazy and move all-in on you. Also, betting small in this situation gives your opponent a chance to raise you, whether he has a strong hand or not.

The last card was the 2h (Ah-8c-2s-6d-2h), Cunningham bet $2 million, and within 4 seconds, Gold said, "I raise." Within 6 more seconds, Gold said, "I'm all-in" and stood up. Then within 10 more seconds, he told Cunningham, "Gotcha." Cunningham replied, "Yep, I guess you do." Then Gold said, "You know I know you didn't have it." Then Cunningham said, "Nice hand," and folded.

Gold made a litany of mistakes on the last round of betting, not too mention the quick check on the turn. First, he announced raise way too quickly. Second, he raised it up way too much. Third, he stood up. Fourth, he told Cunningham he had him beat. Fifth, he tried the super amateur move of saying he didn't think Cunningham had it, as if to say, "If you do have it then you have me beat." Give Cunningham maximum credit here, he saw all of the signs, picked up on all of Gold's tells, and folded a strong hand instantly.

Here is why Gold was so readable to Cunningham. First, do not raise it up too quickly - especially on the end - as it is a sign of strength. Second, why go for all of Cunningham's chips on the end? Why not raise it up $2 million or $3 million? This way you'll have a better call rate. Third, when you move all-in and stand up, you're giving away free information to a sharp observer. In this case, Gold looked pretty darn excited - a sure sign of strength - when he stood. Fourth, above all else, do not tell a pro the truth about a hand. Top pros can easily read you when you open your mouth at all, especially when you're telling the truth.

Cunningham played this hand flawlessly. He lost close to the minimum with this hand in this scenario. Gold did play great poker, just not so well against Cunningham.

The following is a tell of strength: a) excitement; b) acting quickly; c) jumping out of your chair; d) all of the above.

Answer: D.