First live poker tourney help
I am considering entering my first live poker tourney at the begining of December. It is a weekly tourney held at the local casino. I have only ever played poker oline and I am a little intimidated by the casino setting. Basically I don't want to embarrass myself or break any cardinal rules. Can anyone offer me or direct me to some advice for making it thru my first live tournament?
thanks
Jay
thanks
Jay
Comments
1. Are you comfortable with the protocols and mechanics of playing live poker (including cash games in a casino, semi-serious home games, or anything like that)? I'm talking about things like being able to look at hole cards without your neighbours seeing them, move chips around smoothly, etc. You don't have to be perfect. (I spill my chip stacks more often than I probably should. No biggie.) Anyhow, I got off track there. If you're *not* comfortable with these kinds of things, it might be useful to watch (or perhaps even practise yourself) some live poker action.
2. Ask the dealer for help at any time if you're not sure what's happening. Also ask the dealer if you simply need some information, like how big the current bet is, how many chips Seat 3 has left, etc.
3. Verbally state your action clearly and completely before moving any chips. Be careful, since any verbal declarations are binding when made in turn (and may or may not be binding out of turn).
4. Do pay close attention to the action, but don't concern yourself too much with the physical nature of the game. That is, forget about trying to "get a read" on people. Focus on playing solid poker. Conversely, don't get worried about people trying to get a read on you. Stick to the poker fundamentals, and remain uniform as much as possible in your physical actions. Don't Hollywood.
5. Understand the differences in dealing/playing speed between live and online poker. A 20 minute level might sound like a long time, but in a live setting, you can be looking at ~10 hands dealt in the level, versus 20 or more hands online in the same amount of time.
6. Don't get rattled by the whole thing. You'll probably find it easier than you thought it would be. Have fun. :cool:
ScottyZ
Excellent advice!
SLow things down - don't allow yourself to do anything hastily - when people are nervous or apprehensive about something, as you indicate you are about playing your first live tourney, they tend to want to get the spotlight off of themselves and therefore may make unwise choices. For example, should you be put to a decision for all your chips, especially early in the tourney, TAKE YOUR TIME. Don't panic and push all-in just because the whole table and maybe some of the gallery is staring at you, waiting impatiently for you to act. Similarly, don't panic and fold right away because you are afraid you are beaten - maybe the other players will sense your lack of experience and try to push you around....don't allow them to. It's up to you...just take a step back from the table (mentally, if not physically) gather your thoughts and make sound poker decisions. Just keep telling yourself it's comfortable shoes you are slipping into - you know how to play poker and that is what you are doing - playing poker - it may look a little different and feel a little different than the online poker you are accustomed to, but for the most part it is the same game with the same 52 cards. Don't talk yourself into believing otherwise. A flush still beats a straight, even in the live game
Good luck (p.s. where is the tourney?)