Mercier Loses Two As Night Nears End

Team PokerStars Pro Jason Mercier just lost back-to-back pots near the end of the night. The first hand was lost to Jose Manuel Nadal, but it was the second that would hurt a bit more.

On the first, Mercier raised to 4,000 from the hijack seat and received a call from Nadal, who was acting out of the big blind. After Nadal checked the flop, he checked and Mercier bet 3,700 with the flick of his wrist. Nadal called, and the turn was the . Both players checked, and then checked the river card. Nadal showed the for a pair of jacks, and he won the pot. Mercier mucked.

On the very next deal of the cards, Mercier opened from middle position to 4,000. An unknown opponent called on the button, and everyone else folded.

The flop was , and Mercier continued with a bet of 3,600. His opponent raised to 11,200, and Mercier called. The turn was the , and both players checked to see the pair the board on the river. That's where Mercier checked and his opponent bet 23,000. Mercier tanked for a bit, before finally tossing in the call. His opponent showed a flopped straight with the , and Mercier mucked his hand.