Zhang is Speaking Greenwood's Language
In a field where a handful of languages are spoken, making it difficult for some players to verbally communicate with each other, it's remarkable to see how smoothly the game can still be played through the universal language of poker.
While he's playing this Main Event, Sam Greenwood is also playing another game that relies much more heavily on understanding of a language. He has his tablet on the padded rail with a crossword puzzle illuminating his face in a blue-white glow.
In a recent hand, Chunguang Zhang seems to be speaking Greenwood's language. Through a great read, he saved himself a lot of chips.
Zhang raised to 1,100 from under the gun, getting a call from Aymon Hata on his direct left as well as Greenwood in the small blind.
The flop came and Greenwood checked. Zhang continued with a bet of 2,200 and Hata folded. Greenwood made the call.
The turn was the and both players checked. Greenwood checked again and Zhang eyed up his opponent, thinking for at least half a minute before shaking his head and checking behind.
Greenwood slapped his cards face up, showing for a turned set, disappointed that he wasn't able to lure his opponent into betting. Zhang turned up a surprisingly strong hand of for an overpair, somehow knowing that a river bet was going to get him in trouble.