The size of the buy-in was not a factor in the decision, Smirnov said. He added that Morgan seemed visibly upset after the hand, giving more validity to the fold.

“I personally couldn’t have done it,” Galfond said. “I’d lose sleep. But, I think it was a reasonable fold actually. There are definitely very few hands John could have had that weren’t a straight flush. Jacks full was probably the one that made the most sense, other than a straight flush.”

According to Galfond, the table erupted once the quads were shown. Dwan left the table in disbelief.

Smirnov, who has a Ph.D in economics, is a regular in huge cash games in Russia.

On Tuesday, more than $18 million will go to the last man standing in the 48-player field.