[Dov]

You see it all the time in every game, not just tournaments.

I was in a live 15/30 game about 6 months ago (a real action game) when my AK turned into a broadway on the turn. The villain who I had played with quite a bit had led the betting on the flop (which usually means TP or better for him) bet the turn and I raised.

He looked right at me and said, "I guess I have to put you on something I can beat now, because if you have AK, then I'm crushed!"

He then proceeded to put me on a pair with a flush draw and called me down (I was holding the nuts) when the last of the suit didn't fall.

This is definitely not an isolated case. I've done it myself at times and have seen others do it too.

You are right. This is a great way to self destruct in any game. It is just another form of denial. It is a very good way to go on tilt too.