Ep 4. WSOP: Nat'l Champ Final Table, Part 2

In the fourth episode of the 2013 season of the World Series of Poker, viewers are taken back to the National Championship Final Table for part two of the intense gameplay. The remaining players are battling it out for the chance to be crowned the National Champion and take home the grand prize of $352,800.

The episode begins by introducing the chip count and seating arrangements for the nine players left in the tournament. With blinds increasing every hour, the players are feeling the pressure to make their moves before their stacks get too short. The commentators provide in-depth analysis of each hand, revealing the players' strategies and thought processes.

One of the standout players of the episode is Matt Salsberg, a Hollywood writer and producer. Salsberg plays confidently and aggressively, building his stack and taking control of the table. He even jokes with the other players, offering them his autograph if they bust him from the tournament. However, as the final table progresses, Salsberg faces tough competition from other players, such as Jonathan Little, a seasoned pro with multiple WSOP bracelets.

Another player to watch is Athanasios Polychronopoulos, who has already won a WSOP bracelet in a previous event. Polychronopoulos starts off strong, but suffers some setbacks as the tournament goes on. He faces a particularly tough decision when he's dealt pocket kings and faces a raise from Salsberg. After much debate, Polychronopoulos decides to make a large re-raise, only to have Salsberg fold after some hesitation. The move leaves Polychronopoulos with a sizeable pot but also with disappointment at not winning more.

As the episode progresses, the players are slowly but surely eliminated. The audience watches as some players make questionable decisions, while others go all-in with a strong hand and end up losing to a lucky draw from an opponent. The tension in the room builds as the remaining players get closer to the ultimate prize.

One of the most dramatic moments of the episode comes towards the end, when Little goes all-in against an opponent with only a seven-high bluff. The opponent thinks for a while before deciding to fold, but Little reveals that he was bluffing as well and only had a queen-high hand. It's a bold move that impresses the commentators and shows the level of skill and risk-taking involved in high-stakes poker.

Eventually, only three players remain: Polychronopoulos, Salsberg, and Chris Tryba. The three players make a deal to split the remaining prize money, but they still need to play for the National Championship title. Each player puts up an additional $25,000 to compete for the championship and the honor that comes with it.

The final three play aggressively, with each of them taking turns being the chip leader. They all want to win the title, but they also don't want to risk their remaining chips on weak hands. The commentators note that this is a rare occurrence, as most televised poker tournaments end with either one player dominating or a final showdown between two players.

At the end of the episode, the winner is still up in the air. The players will return in the next episode to finish the tournament, and viewers are left on the edge of their seats, wondering who will come out on top.

Overall, WSOP: Nat'l Champ Final Table, Part 2 is an exciting episode that showcases the intense gameplay and strategic thinking required to succeed at professional poker. The show's commentators provide insightful analysis and commentary, making the game accessible to both experienced players and casual viewers. With high stakes, memorable moments, and skilled players, this episode is a must-watch for any fan of poker or competitive sports.