Some of my former and current students have won their first seats into the main event this year. Honestly, the thing most of em have in common is a healthy bit of fear. Rich, or hopin to get rich, young or old, pros and amateurs, the big game is intimidating across the board. The numbers are huge this year and more online qualifiers than ever will be in attendance. For my students and my friends online I offer the ramblings of an old, possibly senile, poker player. <READMORE>

For starters, try to look your best. I am not at all suggesting you wear a suit if you are a jeans and t-shirt kinda guy. Whatever your look is, look your best. Me, I do like to wear nice slacks and shirts because it makes me feel and look good. When your clothes make you look good you just naturally feel good also.

Another, often overlooked way to make yourself feel better on that cold lonely felt table is to bring a little bit of home with you. A picture of your loved one(s), your lucky rabbit’s foot, your ipod with your home movies of your pet three-legged rabbit, are all acceptable at the game. Just take something small that makes you smile when you look at it.

Once you are comfortable and relaxed, use your senses wisely. That waitress may be cute, but while you are checking her out your mind has checked out of the game. Stay focused solely on the game. If you are the friendly sort, feel free to make conversation if it keeps your head in the game. Even if you like some music on, keep it low enough to be able to use your ears to hear the sounds of the game as well.

Betting patterns of your opponents are still an important tool in figuring them out, but do not neglect the things you can only experience live. Study your opponents. The poker table is one of the few places that you can openly stare at someone without seeming rude. Well, some folks will still think you are rude, but it is allowed. If your gut tells you something after being observant, take that information into account when you decide to act on your hand.

The most important thing to keep in mind is this. Your good play at the game has brought you to this point. The players breaking through from online to b&m wins now are doing it because they have the confidence to keep playing their game. By treating this like any other tourney and doing what has been working for you this far you will achieve as much as you can on that given day. Nobody can do any more than give it all they’ve got, so just relax and start givin it.

Good luck to one and all and may one of us come back a champ.

seal
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