Massive River Propels “Chip.Leader” to Chip Leader

In a pivotal hand with nine players remaining, “Chip.Leader” went all-in preflop for 72,000 chips (28 big blinds) holding 9♦️9♥️. In the big blind, “IamGoat” called with A♠️K♥️, slightly covering “Chip.Leader.”

The flop came 10♦️4♠️A♣️, pairing “IamGoat’s” ace and giving him the lead. After a 7♠️ on the turn, the river delivered the 9♠️, completing a set for “Chip.Leader.” This fortunate river card propelled “Chip.Leader” to the tournament’s chip lead.

In tournament play, pocket nines are strong but can be vulnerable against overcards. In this scenario, “IamGoat’s” A♠️K♥️ had a 47.22% chance to win against “Chip.Leader’s” 9♦️9♥️ preflop. The ace on the flop put “IamGoat” ahead, but the rivered set exemplifies poker’s unpredictability, where even statistically unfavorable situations can reverse dramatically.

We know there’s a lot of GTO debate out there, so tell us what you think.

With 9 players left is Jamming the optimal play with 2 larger stacks? blind on blind? On the stone bubble of a tournament?