.gif&contenttype=gif "Titan Poker $500 Bonus")
Strategy: Playing a big live tournament for the first time
October 08, 2008 - Thomas Clarke
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
|
 |
||
 |
 |
The WSOPE and EPT London have now finished, but maybe you have now decided that you would like to be involved in these types of tournaments. This could mean playing live for the first time or perhaps playing big stakes for the first time. Either way here are some tips that may help you be a success and play your own game.
You have nothing to fear
When you sit down at the table you will notice a lot of nervous faces around you. You should use an opportunity like this to spark up a conversation with the people sitting near you. It's much harder to be intimidated by someone whose name you know than a nameless guy in sunglasses glaring at you.
Stick to your guns
Whether you usually play tight, by the book poker, or are more interested in playing a wide range of hands, stick with what you know. If you want to try something different then choose a lesser stakes game online. The golden rule here is: don't try to play outside your comfort zone at such a big stage.
Know your weaknesses
There will be many better live tournament players than you, so don't try to outplay them early on. If you feel like you can be outplayed post flop, don't treat it as a test of your masculinity and pride to go to war. Try to find the players you can outplay. On such a big stage, there will be plenty in the early rounds who are too nervous to play optimally.
Look for weakness
A lot of internet-only players really are easy to read, look for people who look nervous, they usually are! Take a mental note of how others play and look, even when you are not in a pot.
Don't get run over
This doesn't mean idiotically defending your big blind each time. But, you will have to make a stand every now and again. If someone is regularly re-raising you then it might be a time to stand up and be counted. Don't do it every time, and try to find good spots to do so.
And finally
Most importantly, enjoy yourself!
|
