Mental prep for big game
Just wanted to post some ramblings (sorry Dave, lol) on my state of mind before the big game this weekend. Obviously this is the single biggest opportunity in poker I've ever had. It would be for most amatuers. I find it in my thoughts all the time. lol Even at work, my mind will drift to it many times during the day. I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude. Even my co-workers are on the bandwagon now. lol My boss today said I could have the holidays I'd need in January to play in the Bahamas event, "after" I win the tournament this weekend. lol Not "if", but "after" I win. I had to laugh cuz it's helping me focus on the goal. Nothing but focusing on the goal, and positive thoughts.
One thing I've been doing since Tuesdays chip win, is to watch final tables in any wpt sats I can catch, and makes notes on all final table finishers. Might come in handy on Saturday. Another is to scout these players and any previous chip winners, online by name, and see if I can watch them in any other tournaments or ring games before then. Again to make notes which may help.
Kinda unsure of what else to do, other than get lots of rest, eat OK and try to survive until Saturday. lol
Any additional tips would be appreciated. I don't feel the weight of any pressure yet, and I may not. Who knows. But it never hurts to discuss it.
One thing I've been doing since Tuesdays chip win, is to watch final tables in any wpt sats I can catch, and makes notes on all final table finishers. Might come in handy on Saturday. Another is to scout these players and any previous chip winners, online by name, and see if I can watch them in any other tournaments or ring games before then. Again to make notes which may help.
Kinda unsure of what else to do, other than get lots of rest, eat OK and try to survive until Saturday. lol
Any additional tips would be appreciated. I don't feel the weight of any pressure yet, and I may not. Who knows. But it never hurts to discuss it.
Comments
Seriously, though, best of luck. Members making into the big leagues give us all hope.
I hope to be in those leagues one day. Don't worry, I'll still come back here and post regularly, not like some of those other Canadians who have made the big time. Snobs!
Like the others, I wish you the best of luck on Saturday. If it wasn't Christmas, I'd certainly drop by and root for you.
As for preperation, everybody prepares in different ways. The morning of my first big live tournament (in Regina) I read parts of TPFAP. The morning of my big Sunday win on Stars, I played a single-table SNG. So, thinking about poker--and even playing poker--before a tournament are not out of the question for me.
A lot of people like to get their minds as far away from poker as possible until right before a tournament. I have tried this, and my results haven't been as good. Generally, I do better if I'm at least talking about poker before a tournament, and if it's a live tournament, I don't have much choice...
Since it's online, if it were me, I'd read bits of strategy and/or play in a SNG.
Again, good luck.
all_aces
On the tips A_A, I hear ya. I debated a sit and go beforehand, or a small MTT 18-xx entrants. Might also do some reading. Thanks for the tips bud.
PS, my scouting report so far lol
Made notes on about 8 or 9 people in the list of 52? so far. Most weren't online. Some in ring games and some in MTT's. Found a couple of them already to watch out for, playing in ring games. Made some notes to hopefully help save my azz. lol
The next day I played another tournament - my mental goal was "maximize opportunity." I started out slow, took a fairly big risk right before the first break, and ended up two off the bubble. I liked how this mental goal worked out. Whenever I sit for a tournament now, I think about opportunity - on every hand. Most hands represent waiting - for a better opportunity. But I started to realize that there are a few key decisions during a tournament, whether they are to fold, steal, or play for the board, that decided my outcome. My goal was to recognize these decision points. I also realized that looking at every hand as an opportunity (even if it was an opportunity to fold and save myself from a loss) kept me very focussed during the entire tournament.
I think many players starting out think a lot about card strategy. And I think few players dedicate time developing a solid "mental" game plan that will serve them throughout a tournament. If your goal is to make good decisions during a tournament, you need to think about what "mental state" is the best place to do that from. The fact that you have considered the importance of this already gives you an edge over your competition.
Best of luck,
Amy C
I'll definitely make a note to drop by. I'm not sure if I'll be able to actually chat to you, however, because the rule that you have to have the amount of the buy-in in your account in order to chat might prohibit me from doing so.
But, believe me, I'll be there in spirit, and might post some comments/encouraging words here if I get the chance (not sure if you'll check here during the tourney or not?).
In any event, best of luck ... go get 'em!!
macbb
Thanks for the advice Amy. You've given me the nudge I needed. If other people have had these thoughts I know I'm on the right track here. I've never put this much prep into a tourney before. I've even cancelled my visiting plans tomorrow. lol Christmas, is cancelled. This is too important. I'll go visiting Boxing Day and feast on leftovers. I'm staying home tomorrow, so I have plenty of prep time, and nothing interferring with my mindset. We'll see if it pays off. And you've convinced me it sure won't hurt.
Thanks mac, hope you get to say hi if you pop in. I'll try to post some stuff here between rounds if I can, just in case anyone has their PC on tomorrow. lol Gotta be a few addicts out there besides me. lol
Happy Holidays everybody.
There is a lot more play in these events than the typical Stars tournament.
1/2 hour levels and 2500 in starting chips
So take it slow.
Have fun in the Bahamas.......oh ya, think positive!
Thanks for the support.
I overbet a pair of aces and then showed them. Also overbet nut flush. Now hoping to trap if I can under bet the nuts a few times. lol We'll see.
At least McEvoy is out.
stp
*That* was a great call DJP ... I agree with STP, I thought he was trying to bully you.
Keep it up!!
BTW, as I suspected, because I have less than $600 in my account, I can't chat ... but I *am* watching.
macbb
just had a thought. how many fpp's can i earn in one of these? lol
I agree, it's time!
macbb
macbb
Good Luck
Almost doubled up there!
macbb
stp