Semi-bluff Into Empty Side-pot

[Chris Callahan]

This is a hand I observed from the rail a couple of days ago after being knocked out of a Hold'em no-limit tournament.

There are six people left. 1st pays $19,000, 2nd $11,000, 3rd $6,000, 4th $4,000, 5th $3,000, and 4th $2,400. There is 430,000 in chips on the table. The blinds are 3,000 and 6,000. UTG is the shortest stack by far and goes all-in for 18,000 with A3-off. Cut-off (61,000) calls with AT-off and so does the button (80,000) with AQ-off. The three of them take the flop which comes JT9-rainbow. Cut-off checks and the button moves all-in. Cut-off folds.

What do you think about the all-in move? Also, were the hands otherwise played well?

--- Chris Callahan