poker hands have some interesting names, like Big Slick for Ace King or ducks for pocket 2s. The Doyle Brunson hand 10-2 has special historical significance.
Doyle Brunson was the back-to-back winner of the WSOP Main Event in 1977 and 1978. These triumphs were especially notable because both times it was the 10-2 hand that did the trick. Normally, a 10-2 starter hand is considered poker trash and not playable.
Brunson was heads-up both times he won with 10-2. In 1976, he had 10-2 spades against A-J offsuit, which Jesse Alto raised pre-flop and Brunson called. The flop brought A-J-10 and Alto made a pot sized bet, and Brunson moved all-in with his paired 10. Alto called, and the race was on for the bracelet. A 2 came out on the turn giving both players two pairs, with Alto ahead. The river was a miracle 2 to complete a full house for Brunson.
The following year, Brunson was playing poker online heads-up again against Bones Berland, and once again was dealt the 10-2, this time off suit. Berland held 8-5, a trash hand too. The flop brought 10-8-5, giving Brunson top pair against Berland’s two pairs. Both players slow played the flop, then Brunson went all in on when the turn was a 2, giving Brunson top two pairs. Berland called, the river brought a 10 to give Brunson a full house again, and another Main Event bracelet.
