by Gina Scarpa

 

For some, a tribe switch-up can breathe new life into their Survivor game. For others, it can be the final nail in the coffin. Beauty tribe member Anna Khait came out swinging when she realized she might be on the chopping block. However, she was unable to convince the others to vote out fellow Beauty Tai Trang or get the Brains to turn on Peter Baggenstos. Though it may have seemed like a blindside, the professional poker player told RealityWanted she saw her exit coming a mile away.

 

In the beginning of the episode, it didn't seem like you'd be the one to leave. What changed?
In terms of strategy, the fact that I lost numbers and then Julie coming in to replace whoever was voted out, I had a huge target on my head. I was pretty certain I was in big, big trouble coming out of the immunity challenge. I had some plans that didn't happen in terms of getting rid of Peter. When Tai showed me the idol then I thought, "This is great, let's change up the game and get Peter out."

 

Did you think Tai was going to play the idol for you?

I wasn't 100% sure he was going to play it, but I was confident he was going to play it. I thought he would take the game by the horns and we could merge and meet up with everyone. I think it would've been awesome. I was surprised when he didn't use it. He was telling me he was going to use it. Last minute before we came out, Scott pulled him aside and he didn't do it.

 

Would you have played the idol if the shoe were on the other foot?
It depends on if Scott told me about the super idol because I love making moves. I would not be surprised if I would use it.

 

Why were you seen as such a threat?
I was playing right away after the switch up. I tried nonchalantly to talk to them. I was always planting seeds in someone's head that Tai isn't trustworthy. Joe told me he didn't want Peter so I thought this was a great opportunity but the body language from the Brain tribe was that they weren't going to vote out Peter. I knew I was in trouble and I knew I had to use what I knew about Tai. I didn't think I played too much, I think I did what I had to do. Unfortunately, my only shot was Tai helping me.

 

Were you surprised when Tai told you he had the idol, especially when you watched it back and saw how difficult it was to find one?
Oh my god! I was shocked when I saw it was all the way up in the tree and you have to get a key which opens a safe. I love Survivor and twists so the super idol twist was scary and exciting at the same time. It's really cool, I wish I would've looked up!

Do you feel like Caleb's early exit affected your game in any way?
Yeah, I mean I think it does have a part in it. It's hard to say because luck is luck. I wish it could have been different. Even though I still could've picked a buff where it was 2-2-2, you never know but I might have had a better shot.

 

You've said you love the game, you love big moves, you love twists. Do you still feel that way after the way your game ended?

I do, of course I do! I commend Tai for making that move and I forgave him instantly. I'm cheering for him, Julia, and Michele. We had an awesome time together. I was lucky to have the best tribe ever. We're a dysfunctional family but we had a great time out there. Even though he didn't save me, I understand. We're good, he's a great person and I genuinely adore him. I understand why he got me out. I'm a threat and I'm not afraid to take risks. It was a good idea for him to get me out.

 

 

Survivor airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on CBS.

 

(Image courtesy of CBS)