Interview of Mark Seif
Jon Eaton
July 30th, 2005
Q: Mark, you've always been well-known on the tournament circuit, but you hit the big time at the WSOP and should become a household name. What did you do that made your WSOP so successful?
A: I prepared better physically, was focused mentally, and have adjusted my game slightly. I prepared for the WSOP by working out in the preceding weeks (ok just a little), stayed up later and woke up later, and did not drink or party at all. I was more focused mentally as well. I really tried to concentrate on my table and nothing else. I took time off from Absolutepoker.com and other projects to devote my attention to the WSOP. Finally, I have added a couple of gears to my game that were much needed. Basically, I learned to fold which is very difficult for me. I want to play every hand just about.
Q: You recently secured a job commentating for the Professional Poker Tour. How did that come about?
A: I was in Costa Rica at the time and was contacted by the Senior Producer at the WPT/PPT and was asked if I would come in to meet with him and Steve Lipscomb. I said sure, and two days later was at the WPT offices in Los Angeles doing a little mock final table commenting. It was fun and a few days later I was contacted again and told I was selected to be the on-camera poker expert ala Mike Sexton. I was flattered.
Q: Usually whenever I railbird your table in a tournament I find you're usually the one who stands up to the aggressive play of players like Antonio Esfandiari and The Devilfish, just to name a few. Do you enjoy playing a lot of pots and playing fast against such players, or is that your natural element in poker, to be the aggressor?
A: I am usually the most aggressive player at the table. Devilfish and Antonio are very aggressive as well. So, in a sense, it's quite likely that I am going to tangle with other aggressive players. I enjoy the opportunities that come up when there are two or more aggressive players battling for control of the table. I still have to be very cautious when going up against talented and experienced players, but then you can really play the game!
Q: You faced some stiff competition to win your two bracelets. Your final tables featured Robert Mizrachi, Kathy Liebert, Quinn Do, Minh Nguyen, Bill Gazes, Greg Raymer, and the Devilfish, among others. What was your mindset going into each final table, considering your competition?
A: Well Jon, the players you named are certainly very tough and have all had considerable success in poker. I would have chosen less skilled opponents, if I could have, for sure - LOL. But to be completely candid, I thought I was going to win each of the events that I won pretty much at all times I was playing in those events, including when the final tables were assembled. I went to the final tables with that mindset and never deviated from that. I don't think I have ever been that confident (and I don't think I can just turn it on again) but for some reason I just was.
Q: An often discussed issue in tournament poker (most recently I talked to Hasan Habib about his situation with Tuan Le at the Bellagio) is players swapping/selling %'s of themselves to other players in the same tournament. What do you think should be done to control the possible collusion issue of such deals?
A: Yeah, that's a tough one. The money has increased so much in big tournaments nowadays, that we are literally talking about millions of dollars at stake. The possibility and lure of collusion naturally goes way up. At the same time, backing arrangements and swapping pieces are an important and effective way for pro players to manage risk and sometimes to allow them to play in tournaments they otherwise would not be able to.
I'm not sure what should be done about this increasing problem that will probably become more prevalent as poker continues to grow. One thing I am sure of, is that we can not ignore this issue and continue to allow these awkward and potentially improper situations to continue to come up. Not only does this type of situation provide an incentive for cheating, but the mere appearance or possibility of collusion is a big risk for the poker industry to bear - losing the public's confidence would be disastrous to poker.
Q: I think a lot of people wonder if there's any room for growth in poker--being that we had 5,600 players this year in the WSOP main event and all. Do you think that poker still has room to expand, and if so, what areas do you see growing in the poker industry?
A: Poker will continue to grow, for sure. I believe every area of poker will continue to grow for years to come, but online poker will grow the fastest and the most. Online poker has proven to be the ideal venue for most poker play for most people.
Q: Another interesting subject a lot of people are split on are the use of sunglasses at the poker table. What are your general thoughts and feelings on this subject?
A: I have no problem with players wearing sunglasses at the tables. I almost never do it, but that's a personal preference. I don't think players should be prohibited from wearing sunglasses.
Q: You're heads up for the WSOP World Championship event and playing for probably over $10m. Who is the last person you want to see seated across from you?
A: An online player that I have no idea who he/she is. It's difficult to gauge their skill level and experience unless you have played with them. It's particularly difficult at times to defeat an opponent that does not act in their best interest - which some online players do. I was once CALLED by an online player in a $4,000 plus pot that was holding a ten high! Of course the ten high was the nuts - but that's besides the point! LOL.
