Confident Men: Mercier and Zinno Discuss Starting the 2015 WSOP on a High

5 min read
Jason Mercier

It's one of those chicken or the egg kind of things. It's poker's proverbial question. Does winning create confidence, or do you need to be confident to win?

Team PokerStars Pro Jason Mercier seems to know a lot about both.

He's coming off a massive PokerStars Spring Championship of Online Poker where he made five final tables, booked three titles, and banked a total of $319,323.55 en route to a Player of the Series title. Thursday, as the 2015 World Series of Poker kicked off, he late-registered Event #2: $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em, brimming with confidence.

"I think that this is probably the most excited I've been coming in since my first World Series," Mercier told PokerNews. "Things just went really well the last couple of weeks. I won three different types of tournaments and the World Series is really the place where you get to test your skills in all the different games. So I'm just really looking forward to seeing how I can do this summer, and hopefully I can get that third bracelet."

But will Mercier's confidence play that big of a role on the felt? He certainly seems to believe it will.

"I think it's definitely important to be confident in poker," he explained. "Thinking you're going to win and having a positive attitude and mindset is key.

"I feel like I've done a lot better when I was feeling better and feeling confident, as opposed to when I was going through a rough time personally. When you're not feeling confident you may be making decisions based on that. A lot of it is stuff you can't really analyze, but it comes through in the results. One of the most difficult things in poker is going through a downswing and still being confident in your game. A lot of times even just a day of things going bad can hurt a player's confidence, especially a long string like that can really test a player's mettle."

If there is a player coming into the 2015 WSOP hotter than Mercier, it might just be Hublot World Poker Tour Season XIII Player of the Year Anthony Zinno.

After winning the 2013 Borgata Poker Open last season, Zinno added back-to back wins at the 2015 Fallsview Poker Classic and the 2015 L.A Poker Classic this past February. He also posted five other deep finishes in WPT events on the way to earning this season's POY title.

According to Zinno, the confidence bred from a year like his can be the best performance-enhancing drug a poker player can cop.

"If you're thinking positively, like you're going to win, or just play well, all these things release good brain chemicals and can actually help you think more clearly," he told PokerNews. "Psychologically speaking, if you're kind of down in the dumps you're probably not going to be on your A-game and not realizing it either.

"The beauty of poker is that there's the logic and the math, but there's also this huge psychological factor and you might not be aware that you're off your game because of a lack of confidence or momentum. And at the other end of it, if you have all the momentum and confidence coming in, your mental clarity is at 100 percent. You just feel in the zone. There's a lot to it psychologically."

Zinno also says the kind of confidence big wins breed can really change the dynamic at the table.

"When you're coming off a big win you're going to be confident that you're playing your A-game and you're going to have people at the table that are more aware that you've recently won a big one and they're not going to want to tangle with you too much," he explained. "You can be confident they're not going to be bluffing you too much and knowing that, you can take advantage of it."

Of course, Zinno says the fields in high-stakes events are filled with fearless players who could care less what you've just won, but he says they may be the ones he targets to pay him off when he makes a big hand. For the remainder, he is in pure attack mode.

"It's like they don't really want to get involved with you and if you have that, you feel like a lion at the table," he said. "A lot of players don't want to admit they they are being evasive of you, but you can sense it, and once you sense it, you can attack.

"The most important thing in poker is being well aware of what your image is at the table at any given time. You have to be aware of what each individual player's image of you is, and having confidence, it's a huge factor in all of that."

Of course, there's a fine line between confidence and over-confidence. Zinno says he's seen players come off big wins and lose the value of a dollar, spewing chips in lower buy-in events only to teach themselves what builds into an expensive lesson.

"Some players with a lot of money suddenly don't seem to care as much and they'll sling chips around thinking they could be playing in some high-stakes cash game elsewhere," he said. "Over the years, I've conditioned myself so that even if I'm playing a $2K buy-in, which if I would lose wouldn't effect me at all financially, I still want to play my best.

"If you're trying to play your A-game, you can't be thinking about how much money you've already made and that you just don't care about the buy-in, no matter how small."

Like Mercier, Zinno is riding a huge wave of confidence heading into the World Series and ready to prove the confidence that comes from winning will breed even more success.

"I always knew I was good," Zinno said, "but I think after this year I started to realize that I really do have what it takes to be one of the top guns someday. Once that light bulb clicks, you have even more motivation to play even more. The momentum for this year is huge, I feel like I'm going to have a huge year and I will be disappointed if I don't."

Get all the latest PokerNews updates on your social media outlets. Follow us on Twitter and find us on both Facebook and Google+!

Share this article

More Stories

Other Stories

CG777 Casino LOGIN Register Jili777 login free 100 WINJILI 11 Jili 22 app Pogibet 888 login Bet88 register login Ubet63 free 100 30jili Bet88 login Jili 22 app Online casino 50 minimum deposit Hot646 63win login JILIMACAO JILI games APK Gogo jili helens Ubet95 free 100 YY777 online casino Ph646 redeem code today philippines AbcJili customer service YY777 online casino SLOTSGO VIP login free yaman88 Mi777app voslot Jollibet casino free 100 no deposit bonus Jlph1 88jili Login Philippines VOSLOT app download Wstar33 W JILI JILI Slot game download for Android Fk777 download app taruhan77 FB777 18jili Slot FF777 VIP KKJILI casino JILI apps download JILIMACAO Telegram pkjili.com 777 SLOTSGO VIP login Milyon88 com casino register APaldo Login Pogo88 casino login Winph12 com casino VIP PH log in FC777 app login Chrome royal888casino net CC6 casino login register mobile Jili games free 100 Labet8888 register TA777 com Login Register password 200jili login Www jililive com log in 777pnl 50JILI VIP login registration Ag labet8888 login PH365 VIP login Jiliko777 Royal movie Me777 download Jilino1 new site Joyjili win PHDream 8 login register Philippines Aaajili4 Phdream6 com m home OKBet update Jili Games demo ORION88 RTP WINJILI ph login Kkjili9 JILIMACAO 123 Ph143 SLOTSGO VIP login download www.90 jili.com login Bet999 casino Fk777 vip download Jilicity casino 8K8 Swerte88 login APP 5 Jili casino login Jilibay Fcc777 login Gogojili legit JILI188 casino login Philippines sign up JLSLOT Filbet JILI slot game download Phjoin slot Phjl000 phcash.vip casino Winph12 com casino Gi77 casino Login SLOTVIP OKGames GCash PHJOIN VIP com Register JILIVIP 02 Byjili Bigwin 69 Is 49jili legit S888 live Royal movie Bet88 online OKBet legit Fc 777 casino login Register JILIMACAO link Download JL777 app KKJILI com 777 Panalo meaning Agila Club casino Lovejili philippines GG777 register Jilibay Promotion Okjlfun Labet88 register philippines Mnl646 login Labet88 sign up Bonus Top646 referral code Jilievo 666 Jollibet casino free 100 no deposit bonus CCZZ Casino Super Ace free 100 register 60jili register 777PNL APK FBJILI Com download 77tbet registration Boss jili 6 login Xojili win Jili777 register Vvjlfun Jili888 online casino JILIPARK link pb777 Aceph11 Bet88 login 888PH login 5JILI Casino login register 58JL JILIPARK Login registration Jilibet donnalyn login VIP jili casino login Jiliapp Login register 1-55bmw EZJILI login Register Jilibay Free 68 Agilaclub review Chrome royal888casino net Wjpesoplay EZJILI Telegram ORION88 RTP Milyon88 download JLBET Casino Jiliko free 100 1xBet mobile Jili58 casino Jiliapp 777 Login FBJILI 3 LOVEJILI download New member register free 100 in GCash 2024 ME777 Casino login register QQJILI VIP JILIAPP com login Download Gogojili legit PH365 casino app Ubet95 casino register 3JL app download Pogibet 888 Fk777 vip download Peso63 login BOSS JILI 5 Betso88 legit Ph888 real money 8wingaming con Jiliplay login Jiliasia8 com slot game PH777 casino register 888PHP Casino LINK FC777 free 100 200Jili App 18jili casino VIP777 slot login register Nice88 bet 10JILI COM download apk JOYJILI apk Swerte88 login registration ACEPH VIP KKJILI com 777 login mnl168.com app Jili365 bet login app Jilievo xyz JILI Slot game download for Android 33superph phcash.vip casino Abcjili6 App KKJILI casino login register We1Win app login Labet88 sign up Bonus Jlph11 GI Casino login philippines FF777 casino login Register Philippines download Jili22 net register login password Taya777 org login SLOTSGO VIP login OKGames login Philippines vipph.com login 100 Jili PH Jilievo Com Login registration JP7 casino login philippines Jili365 Royal slot Login Taya 365 casino login SLOTSGO VIP login password BET999 Download 58jili login magicjili Royal Casino login AAAJILI net SG777 Com Login registration Win99 Casino login Fk777 vip download Milyon88 com promotion JP7 casino login philippines PHJOIN login Acejili Win1win casino Phwin Milyon88 download 68 PHCASH Qqjili5 VVJL11 yy777 s888.live legit Plot777 login 1xbet.ng login 20jili withdrawal Jilievo Com Login registration Sugal777 review Jiliasia7 Betso88 legit Suhagame app OKBet legit Ubet95 app download apk 58jili download Bet86 global JILI188 casino login Philippines sign up Swertegames Joy jili casino login Philippines 7XM APP download OKBet registration 18jili casino Pogibet slot PHBET Registration PH Cash casino download Jilino1 games member deposit category Taya365 pro 63win withdrawal Timeph Jiligo88 login Jl777 VIP Nice88 free 100 www.mwplay888.com download Okbet cc AAA JILI app download JILI Slot APK download latest version Cg777admin YY777 casino login register 10JILI COM download apk TG7777 link GI Casino login philippines JILIPARK casino login Register Download Jili22 vip 204 login Yy777 apk mod Mwcbet888 login 44ABJILI Jili168 login app Philippines JILI8998 casino login milyon88.com casino App88 app Galaxy88casino com login 7SJILI com Register okbet.com login BigWin Casino real money 3jl app download apk JP7 VIP PHMAYA casino Login Register Acegame 999 joyjili YE7 biz 58jili login Taya777 app Jili online casino Jiliplay 58jili login Download Swerte88 login registration Joyjili win Jiligo88 app JILIPARK Login Password EZJILI Telegram Lovejili philippines AAAJILI log in Ph646 login register Philippines MNL168 net login registration MWPLAY app JILIPARK VIP yesjili win.ph log in Jiligo88 app MNL168 Gogojili redemption code jilievo.com login password NN777 VIP Jili 178 APK download Ph646bet Joy jili casino login Philippines 90jili vip login Jili77 login FC 777 slot app wjbet.ph login FC777 VIP VIP FB777 Weekph6 88prizeph PHJOIN download app FC777 free 100 VVJL Login Bet99 login Plot 777 casino login register Philippines Bet199 philippines Jolibet app download MWCASH login JILIAPP download Peso 63 online casino PH365 VIP login Agg777 download Jili22 casino login Philippines register PHcash 777taya link download Jilibay app cockfighting login Jili999 withdrawal MWPLAY good domain login Philippines Chrome s888 live Jilievo VIP login VIP slot online Milyon88 one 77tbet registration 63win register JILI7 World Galaxy88casino com login FF777 casino login Register Wjpeso Wins MNL168 download Boss jili168 Aglabet8888 18JL login app VIP slot online SLOTSGO VIP login download SG777 live 10 JILI slot game JLBET slot login JP7 casino login philippines Pb777 register Jilino1 games member deposit category labet8888.com app 55BMW casino login register mobile Ubet95 legit Jili888 app Milyon88 com casino login Xojili legit Weekph Jilibet donnalyn login JLSLOT login password Gogo JILI Casino login register Jilicity casino Acegame333 Login YE7 casino real money 58JL Casino link Jilibay app cockfighting login Jili777 login register Download vipph.com login TG777 download APK 7777pub login register SuperPH login 49jili login register CG777 Casino YY777 login CG777 Casino link Nice88 bet sign up bonus 90jili VIP 49jili app SLOTSGO login 88jili Yesjili6 www.90jili.com how to withdraw Suhagame67 PHJOIN download app 7SJILI com login Jilievo VIP login bet88.ph legit Jili777 login Voslot 88 Jilievo 888 login 777ph com login Register 77PH VIP Fk777 download app VIP PH casino PHJL Login password JILISM slot casino apk win.ph log in WINJILI login register 188jili.com login Super Ace free 100 register 20phginto Pkjili philippines 7XM app for Android Bet88 slot BET99 Ontario JILI slot game download QQjili MAXJILI casino ME777 login Pogibet 888 login Mwbet188 com login register Philippines Jlslot41 Acegame888 apk Joyjili customer service 20jili casino Jili777 NICEPH JILI 365 casino login Philippines Jilibay Galaxy88casino com login JP7 VIP Jili88ph net register Jilievo 888 login Yaman88 app Jili168 real money Nice88 APK download latest version 88jili login password XOJILI login Abc Jili Register APaldo 888 app download ROYAL888002 Nice88 bet login registration Ace Jili login AAAJILI net Slotvip register SuperPH login YY777 online casino mwcbets.com login Free 100 promotion Mi777 slot Login Register Jilibet donnalyn Playzone Phjoin slot Jiliasia app 5JILI login App Download ACEPH Casino - Link Boss jili login Jilibet 178 98 jili casino login FC777 VIP VIP S888 sabong bigwin Royal person meaning Superace777 FF777 Fbjili2 live777. casino Milyon88 com casino register 188jili.com login 58jl login register jili.com login Jl777 login register Jilino1 app downloadable content Taya777 org login password Jili22 vip202 JILI Slot APK download latest version Jililuck App Download APK tg777 customer service 24/7 Royal888casino net vip Voslot apk download Okjl33 Bet199 casino Ta777 casino online Jili777 free 150 KKJILI slot Jlph11 5 Jili casino login Panalo lyrics JILI Vip777 login SLOTSGO login JILI8998 casino login OKGames login free Jili888 login Register ROYAL888 OKJL Casino Login Register Labet8888 review 200jili link JILI188 casino login Philippines sign up Labet8888 review Jollibet casino free 100 no deposit bonus 5Jili tg777 customer service 24/7 5 Jili casino login Mwcbet Download PHDream 8 login register Philippines 3jl app download apk Phjoin legit or not PHJOIN login Ubet95 free 50 Jiligames app JILIAPP download 88jili Login Philippines 77PH bet login Jilino1 app downloadable content Taya777 org login register Phmacao co super Jilipark App yesjili.com app QQ jili casino login registration VIPPH app phbet.com login Jili22 net register login password 1-55bmw taya777 customer service philippines number 24/7 Jili888 Login Philippines Jili168 register Philippines We1winphp com download 1xBet login mobile 63win app CG777 Casino login no deposit bonus Win888 Login KKJILI casino login register Jilievo casino jilievo APP live casino slots jilievo vip Labet88 sign up Bonus Peso123 login 100 Jili casino no deposit bonus Jilino1 com you can now claim your free 88 PHP download Ph 646 casino login download LOVEJILI link APALDO Casino Login Register KKjili casino login 88jili login password Jiliplay real money Plot777 login register Jili777 login free 100 Pb777 download Swerte88 login APP JILI 365 casino login Philippines JiliCC entertainment Bp17 casino login 100 Jili casino no deposit bonus Jilievo icu CC6 online casino register login Jili88ph net Login Okbet Legit login 188maya casino SG777 Com Login registration 888php app Vip99 BET JILI slot game download JILIPARK link ME777 CLUB 337jili.com live LOVEJILI Jiliph37 login Jili88 ph com download mnl168.com login password PHDream 8 login register Philippines maxjili.com casino 3JL Casino link 365JILI life jl777 Nice88 voucher code 63win Coupon Code FBJILI Com Casino Register TTJL777 Phtaya JILI Vip777 login Jili777 login register Philippines voslot.bet login mwcbet.vip login FC777 casino link download Jili168 real money VIP jili casino login YE7 bet sign up bonus Osm Jili GCash MW Play online casino APK Fk777 cloud JLSLOT login password Jilibet 178 Bigwin pro PH777 registration bonus Sw888 withdrawal Bet99 registration Timeph philippines Jilievo 666 Fish game online real money Jiliasia8 com slot game jlph SLOTSGO VIP login password Milyon88 one mnl168.com login password Jilino1 app downloadable content 1xbet.ng login Ph 646 casino login download s888.org games 777PH app 18JL login password WJSLOT agent login PHJOIN club Login password 511 LOVEJILI 90jili com login Top646 referral code Jili77 Jilievo Com Login registration Jili88 casino login register Philippines sign up Jili168 FF777 app OKGames login free Ph888 slot JILIPARK Login registration JK4 Casino Login philippines App Phbet38 Jili77 download APK JL 777 slot Ubet95 casino register Pkjili3 login ABJILI Casino PHMAYA APK Jili88 VIP Login Royal meaning in relationship Taya777 telegram PH365 VIP login CG777 Casino www.50 jili.com login Ph646bet MNL168 free 100 365 Jili casino login no deposit bonus 55BMW com ph 58jili login registration Win1win casino Jolibet APK download JILIEVO app Jilievo TTJL Casino link Pkjili6 77PH VIP Login download Free 100 casino Jili365 OKGames GCash Bet86 games CC6 online casino register login SLOTSGO 11 VIP PH casino Abcjili8 10jili Jili365 code Yes Jili Casino taya777 customer service philippines number 24/7 Nice88 bet 77PH VIP Login download Milyon888 free 100 PRIZEPH online casino 58jili login registration Voslot agent login Kkjili com download PHDream 8 login register Philippines 337jili.com live Labet88 register philippines Jili168 login app Philippines Jili168 casino login register download Gogojili Winjiliph Rbet456 JK4 Casino Login philippines App S888 live login account number Top646s com pages login mnl168.net login SM-JILI Nice88 free 120 Jili999 login register PHJL download JILIKO app download 3JL slot app Win888 PHJOY Ubet95 free 50 JILI Slot APK download latest version Mnl168 legit Jililuck App Download APK jilievo.com login password Phjoin legit or not LOVEJILI download Wjpesoplay Tayabet login Jili88 casino Login register Philippines JILI22 promotion 88jili login register 8K8 7XM app for Android CG777 slot VIPPH club Jilino1 Agent okbet login Jilibay VIP Login register Acegame login Bet99 Casino Vvjl888 login Naga888 login PHMAYA link Jili22 casino login Philippines register JILI slot casino login 20jili com login SG777 win PH777 login Pkjili philippines Jilibet888 Www bigballerclub biz login Mwcbet legit Ag labet8888 registration 99abjili Bet199 login philippines Jili88 casino login register Labet88 sign up Bonus GG777 slot GOGOJILI Casino Ttjl casino link download Jili Jilibet sign in JiliCC pg 2024 GG777 masaya Agg777 slot login JILIPARK Login Password winqh.com casino Jili 365 Login register download phjoin.com login register PHJOIN casino Voslot apk download Jiliasia WJpeso login 58jl login register Nice88 APK download for Android Okgames redeem code PH Cash casino download Jili22 NEW com register Jili777 login register Royal meaning in relationship 77PH VIP login AGG777 login Philippines 1xBet Philippines JILIASIA Promotion Labet8888 login Jilino1 Jili777 login 99bet Mwcbets com login register Big baller club JL777 download Jili777 login register Download Ph646 redeem code today philippines Ph888 slot app JiliLuck download Jilicity casino 3JL Casino link Weekph TA777 com Login Register password CC6 app bonus Jili777 login free 100 777ph VIP Jiliapp Okbet download JILIMACAO promo code Plot777 app download latest version JILI7 World 777 game RBET88 Register 777PNL app Okgames redeem code JLBET 08 Jili188 app Jiliapp Login register VIP JILI login registration Gg777 ai live777. casino 90jili vip login Online casino 50 minimum deposit 777PNL app Jollibee777 open now Bay888 slot Suhagame23 Jilievo BET99 Canada Jili999 review RRBET S888 live login account number VIPPH app download 77PH fun KKjili casino login Jiliplay login Jili88ph net register Jilino1 new site PH777 download CC6 app bonus VIP777 slot login GOGOJILI login W500 cg777 Pkjili3 login Ag labet8888 app OKBet app 3JL slot app Jilino1 com you can now claim your free 88 PHP download How to register Milyon88 JK4 Casino Login register download 58jili withdrawal JL7 online casino Bet199 Pogibet 888 login JK4 Casino Login philippines App Joy jili casino login Philippines Royal888casino net vip Mi777 casino login Download Free Jili Games Download 1xBet Super Jili Ace Wjpeso Logo Jiliasia 49 Jili88ph com Login YY777 casino login register JILIMACAO link Download pgjili Bp17 casino login Yesjili5 OK bet casino Yaman88 promo code Osm Jili GCash phdream.com log in 365 Jili casino login no deposit bonus Cg777 game Winph99 com m home login JILI Slot APK download latest version Ph888 real money OKBet legit SLOTSGO VIP login download JILI no 1 app Jiliasia app Bet88 download for Android ABC jili1 PHJOIN login JILIMACAO online casino app Boss jili 6 Jili999 review Royal Club apk CC6 app bonus Plot777 update 58JL app Jili999 login register 777ph com login Register Ok2bet philippines 7777pub login register jilino1. com you can now claim your free 88 php Sugal777 Agilabet Acegame888 real money Jili365 asia Ph646 login register Philippines OKJL app Jili188 app We1Win apk JILI8 login WJpeso apps Agg777 download 7SJILI com Register Taya 365 casino login BET99 Canada JL7 slot kkjili.com app WJ peso app JILIMACAO 01 JiliCC pg 2024 Bet99 registration Jili77 download APK Acegame888 register PH365 casino FBJILI Com Casino Register OKGames GCash Jili88 casino login register Philippines sign up Phdream 44 login JILIPARK Login registration Jili999 login Suhagame23 3JL login app NAGA777 Login PRIZEPH online casino PHBET Login registration Jili scatter gcash mwcbet.vip login 1xBet login mobile MNL168 online casino register Swertegames Ph646 bonus Gi 777 casino login Suhagame casino CG777 app 77tbet registration RBET88 Register Win888 casino Register 218 SLOTSGO Jili online Peso63 login 55JILI Jili999 login Yy777f VVJL download 337 jili 188 jili register Taya777 telegram PHMACAO APK free download WIN888 PH Swerte88 login APP 7777pub Taya365 Betso88 legit 7777pub login FB777 c0m login Jili88 casino login register download Agila club 999 77PH VIP Login download Royal888casino net vip Lucky99 Slot login Jili 365 no deposit Bonus Ph646 bonus 188JILI WJSLOT agent login We1win withdrawal AGG777 login app taya777 TG777 download APK Sw888 register JILI8998 casino login 58JL VIP jili22.net register login SLOTSGO login Philippines Yaman88 casino Abc Jili com Download How to register Milyon88 FC777 link login 188 jili register FB777 register login S888 49jili apps download Sugal777 app download Bet88 login FB777 Jollibet casino free 100 no deposit bonus 88jili login register BET99 Quebec Superph Bet 188 jili register Panalo Ag labet8888 withdrawal Jilievo 666 Jili5 Login fbjili.com casino Mi777 casino login Download Jilihilo PHMACAO 777 login phjl.com login LOVEJILI casino Labet8888 register 77PH jilievo.com login Bet88 bonus Bet99 login Milyon88 com casino login Nice88 free 120 register no deposit bonus Jl77 Casino login yesjili.com app PHJOIN Club 77ph maya login Top646s com pages login bay888 JILI games APK Mi777app JK4 Casino Login register download JILIPARK casino login Vip777 Jili999 register link download JILIPARK casino login Register Download Yes Jili Casino Jili games online real money SLOTSGO 11 Vvjl888 login 200jili Royal888ph com login Super Ace free 100 register taya777 customer service philippines number 24/7 JILIMACAO 555 Jili188 App Login Nice88 free 120 register no deposit bonus