by Jack Reider
Learn the secrets that experienced participants know but do not tell
anyone else about how to plan a successful live tournament campaign.
Playing poker online is fun and I dabble at it as well from time to
time. But, many players seem to feel that playing in a live tournament is very
similar to playing online. Well, it is and it is not. Here are 9 golden tips
on how to ease your transition from playing online to playing in a
live
poker tournament.
1) If you have difficulty facing pressure in daily life, do not think
that playing in front of watchful eyes and a roomful of people will have no
effect on you. If you are very easily moved and influenced, I suggest you keep
your money and forget about playing in a tournament at all and this is
relevant even more when talking about a live poker tournament.
2) Wear comfortable and not fashionable clothes. This is not a fashion
show: this is poker. Thus, wear those clothes that will help you feel
comfortable and at ease. I have known a woman who wore tight jeans and then
all through the round, she kept fidgeting uncomfortably. Regardless to say,
she was the first one to lose and all because she was dressed uncomfortably.
3) Drink only water and even then only a little so that you will not
feel thirsty and also will not get the urge to go to the lavatory. Either of
the two feelings are disastrous to a poker player in the midst of a hand.
4) Do not drink alcohol or even sugared soft drinks. Alcohol will cause
you to lose your concentration and sweet drinks give a false sense of
well-being; both will work against you when you play in a live game.
5) Do not sit next to the dealer. Most poker tournaments allow you to
pick your seat in the earlier rounds. It is best to sit opposite the dealer so
that you will be able to look at each and every poker player.
6) Try not to change positions while playing. If you really begin to
feel uncomfortable, change your position after a hand ends. In not
circumstance should you move while playing.
7) Go to the toilet when the break is announced and do not hang around
talking. It is best to loosen your gall bladder than exchanging a few words
with other players.
8) Watch how others are doing. Those about to lose will opt to play only
when they have strong hands; those with a large stack will be more willing to
risk it.
9) Learn the rules and regulations of the particular poker tournament
you have entered so as to save unnecessary losses.
Live poker games are against people and so if you can read people well,
you will have an advantage when playing in a tournament. But do not
over-estimate your opponents. Many poker pros fall to relatively unknown
players because they are over-confident. So, study the game (You can do this
by reading tips and the like at websites like http://www.gambling-portal.com
and others) , think wisely and calmly and you stand a good chance of reaping
in the first prize.
About the author
Jack Reider is
currently writing his PHD on the the reigns of Caesar and Augustus, but he
also loves to frequent the race track and play poker. He created Gambling
Portal:
http://www.gambling-portal.com