A lot of the time when players talk to the wings, they aren't necessarily asking for advice on whether to deal or not, they're looking for reassurance - they want to know that others would do the same as them. That was probably Damien's thinking at 11-box - £23k is probably worth turning down on that board but at the same time, when you're sat there, you are being offered a sum of money that can do a lot for you!

A game well played by Damien. He didn't let himself be over-influenced by other factors (having a baby on the way, Noel constantly asking his wife what she was thinking - she really didn't seem to appreciate that!), and he played the odds while they were still in his favour, and stopped when they weren't - he actually dealt at his lowest offer so far in the game, but with many other players being offered 4 figures on similar configurations, it definitely didn't feel particularly cautious or defeatist (certainly not compared to the last 2 games). Pleased to see his decision vindicated too.

Not many players get 5-figures on a board with £50k, £35k, £1k and 2 blues.