There’s big money and big fun to be had playing live poker in tournaments, but there are a few tips that will really help you on the way to winning. There are plenty of ways you can optimize your game and avoid ending up a loser. These are the tricks that have helped many an experienced poker player on their way to the top of the pack.
One mistake that many novices make, under the pressure of their first live tournament, is to have a few drinks too many. However confident it may make you feel, being drunk is not going to make you play any better, and in fact is likely to result in silly mistakes that cost you your money. Keep track of what you’re drinking, and make sure you know your limits. That way you won’t end up missing out on the chance to play later in the game, because you’ve incapacitated yourself by drinking too much earlier on. If you do drink, do it sensibly and pace yourself so that you can play to your best ability through the whole night. Make sure that you have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks as well, because alcohol can be very dehydrating.
When you enter the room, try and make yourself as comfortable as possible before the game begins. It is a good idea to sit where you can face the dealer as squarely as possible, because it will make you feel that you are involved in a game with them specifically. You lose this influence if you are sitting next to the person dealing the cards. Your seat should allow you a good view of the rest of the players, and you should be able to settle into a position that suits you. Don’t force yourself into an uncharacteristic stance, or try to hold a position that doesn’t feel natural to you. You should sit in a way that doesn’t cause you to shift or fidget, and which you don’t have to waste your energy thinking about, or feeling uncomfortable in. It is when you are relaxed and comfortable that you are least likely to give away clues as to your state of mind- and the state of your cards.
Be aware of the body language that most commonly gives away useful information. Inexperienced players often show their game by the way they sit, leaning their elbows on the table, or resting their cards in the bumper. Do what you can to avoid giving anything away during the game. Other players will always try and guess what cards you are holding, from your tone of voice, your expressions and your body language. You will also want to do the same to them, and to try to hide your own tells. You may want to try giving subtle hints that you are disappointed with your cards, when a particularly good hand comes up, for example. You should enter the tournament armed with a range of different strategies for concealing your game and confusing your opponents. Try not to rely too much on just one approach.
When you get a break, make the most of it. Don’t waste time discussing what’s already gone on in the game, or making small talk. This is your chance to have a short rest, recover your energy, and perhaps most importantly of all, to visit the bathroom.
The main thing is to come prepared and ready to learn from more experienced players. Playing for real money and against really serious tournament players can be fun, exciting and profitable.
Online poker offers a great way to practice against real players, and to join in without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
