Poker Hand Matchup: Max Altergott vs. Jason Mercier

Outcome

Final table, heads-up, with the blinds at 50,000 and 100,000 and a 10,000 ante, Mercier raised to 200,000 from the button, and Altergott called. On the flop Altergott checked, Mercier bet 185,000, and Altergott called. On the turn Altergott checked, Mercier bet 515,000, and Altergott folded.

Analysis

Altergott made a lot of great plays on his way to this title, but he really earned his victory with this remarkable laydown where so many professionals would have lost the maximum. Altergott took a very deceptive line on the flop, check calling with top pair. Given the fact that Mercier would often submit a continuation bluff and that Altergott actually hit the flop with top pair, this a great spot for a check raise to punish his shorter stacked opponent. Altergott camouflaged his hand with this check call, making his subsequent lay down on the turn all the more remarkable because he knew his opponent would not expect him to hold the Jack. Altergott had plenty of chips to work with and promising showdown value when he somehow check folded the turn. He must have had a strong read on Mercier to make this laydown as he somehow realized Mercier was not bluffing. With so much working against him, his chip lead, his hand strength, and his line in the hand Altergott made a world class lay down that was instrumental in his ultimate victory.