Playing Poker against the Pros - Advice needed

[baretta]

I have qualified for the Caribbean Poker Classic in St Kitts via an online Satelite. I have an entry in the $6000+300 main event. I don't want to sell the package as I know I will love the experience but I have never played against players of this calibre. I am a reasonably solid player but I am way out of my league here. I have no real live experience and any advice on the approach I should be taking would be hugely appreciated. I'm not expecting miracles, I just don't want to embarass myself.

Thanks in advance.

[jimmy the greek]

moneymaker showed an online satellite player need not fear the pros

the pressure is on them

[Superfly]

Just play your game, keep your expectations reasonable and enjoy the experience. Congrats on getting there. That's a tremendous accomplishment in itself.

[BuzzRavanaugh]

People have said to read Harrington's books as a good primer.

I kind of believe in reading and not. Many different styles are getting to final tables now. Just have a strategy and adapt you can slow down or speed up as needed. I think its best to watch the opponents and get a feel for them and see how they are playing. I personally only play premium hands early in the tournament and watch who I tangle with---I try to tangle with players I think I can control.

DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED---you don't need to be worried about stare downs or how they view your play---just play your game.

Good luck and let us know how you did.

[Railbird]

Play tight and after ahwilel get agressive and then tight, the pros suck, maybe 3 or 4 of them are good, rest of them are frauds. Throw a fastball at their head in the 1st inning.

[wolfman]

who else is a fraud, railbird? you?

[HuskerFan]

have a few beers before play starts to calm the nerves...i know id be shaking and would probably be read like a book from some of those guys...

[Soonerfan64]

First of all, I would suggest playing in some live B&M tourneys if they are available in your area or if you have time before the tourney you won into.
They will help you -------------you should have longer periods between blinds in the tourney you won into than you will have in smaller touneys but at least you get a feel. I know before the WSOP this year I personally sought out a lot of live action prior to going (could make the argument that it didn't help but I feel it did) and I am to the point where I prefer live games.


Second, at least for me and my next big tourney, I will take a back pack full of assorted items. An ipod/radio, earplugs, gum, tylenol, light jacket and anything else you can think of that you might possibly need. From my experience, there can be a ton of distractions. I remember this summer that one reporter stood right next to me and practiced his lines at least 20 times before going on live. Also, there was one player whose voice was irritating to me ---------------so a radio is a must next time out (plus you can listen to games etc.

Also, expect the first one to be a learning experience which it appears that you are prepared for this. Have a good positive attitude, although be prepared for the unexpected but don't concede the tourney before you go. Basically, go focused, have fun and think WINNER.

Good luck

[Buck Swope]

baretta - if you are "way out of your league" then I would sell the package

take the 6k and play some $100 tourneys at your local B&M casino until you feel more comfortable with live play (the difference are night and day)

St. Kitts will be there next year

[baretta]

Thanks for the replys.

Sooner, What you say makes a lot of sense. I never even thought about the outside distractions. I will definately take the ipod and a supply of gum. What about the sunglasses....they were the first thing I thought of?

I am a bit worried about getting imtimidated by a big name player but I more worried about smiling or laughing if I bet a big hand into them. I guess thats why I need to get some live action before I go.

[baretta]

Bucky, I do not need the $6k desperately and the way I look at it is i may never get the chance to play in a big tourny again so I figure I will play. Some of the advice here makes me feel more confident. I'm definately going to give it a shot.

[BuzzRavanaugh]

You probably wouldn't be able to get 6K anyway.

I wouldn't wear the sunglasses--I think it signals you are a weak player --unless the tourney is outside-- which it could be

If you are uncomfortable let the dealer help you. Specifically if somebody asks you how many chips you have-- have the dealer count it down---these guys look for something in your voice. Just say calmly "Dealer count the chips, please"--this will prevent them seeing your hand shake or voice tremble.

[Soonerfan64]

What about the sunglasses....they were the first thing I thought of?

Personally, I don't like playing with them. I have bought about three pair in the last year. I even bought one set of Oakleys with exchangeable lenses which didn't do the trick for me. Basically, it will come down to a personal preference. Hence, is another reason for getting in some live games prior to going.

Ironically, a lot of the players I have talked to while playing say they wear them to reduce glare as much as hide their eyes. Another thing you will learn, that all poker room lighting is not created equal. Not to mention, some spots on the table make the cards harder to see. I would make a choice to wear them or not to prior to starting. My biggest fear was that ever time I had a good hand I would take them off so I could see the flop better------------which might tip off my hand[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]


Well, as far as a big time player goes, my personal philosophy was that I was probably irritating them about as much as they were intimidating me. So it was a wash.

[dinque]

fukk it...you are almost on a free roll.first make sure you have fun.second mix up your game a little.make a loose call early and show that you cant always be pushed around.it goes a long way to take a little bit the worst of it once,especailly if you can sell that cheaply.mix up your game.practice your look or just stare away but do the same thing.keep quiet.just have fun and dont expect great results,any money is a big bonus.

[Minnow]

I just saw this thread. Congrats baretta! Having only played (holdem) online myself I know I would be worried about the same things.. specifically stuff that just doesn't come up when you play online. Buzz mentioned asking the dealer to count your chips.. great advice! That is the type of info I would want - instances that other players more seasoned at playing in b&m games would be aware of.

There's a thread in the poker forum about illegal string bets.. a rule that many online online players are probably unfamilar with, since we are unable to play games while pushing in chips.

When is the tourney? If I were you I would definitely follow the advice of the pro's here and get some real game experience under your belt. You will be nervous enough without worrying about making a table faux pas, or unintentionally breaking a rule.

[pokerjoe]

Sooner makes good points. I have a poker jacket with a gazillion pockets. Cell phone, sunglasses, MP3, ear plugs, gum (get that stale coffee taste out of your mouth), Rolaids (hey, sometimes...), eye drops, wet naps (wiping your face can wake you up), Advil, and most importantly, BR (inside pocket, with a zipper you don't forget to use).

Play some live small tourneys. Get used to the pace.

Every dealer change, get up and stretch.

Railbird is right (get out, you say): play tight at first, watch, and as you see the names make mistakes, don't excuse them, understand them. I've seen people go through tremendously convoluted thinking to excuse the bad play of name players just because ... I don't know why, they just do. Get your feet wet slowly, and make an honest and fresh appraisal of everyone at the table.

About sunglasses: I sometimes wear them. Sometimes it's glare, sometimes it's defense (if the guys right across from me are all wearing them), sometimes I'm trying to take a nap, sometimes I'm really bearing down on studying someone and don't want to be too obvious. But be aware that sometimes it's a tell, of yourself or others, of a lack of confidence.

And most importantly: don't try TOO hard. Especially, don't be afraid of being bluffed out. Some people say no limit is a bluffer's game. It's more accurate to see it as a fear-of-being-bluffed game.

Good luck, have fun.

[XXGameXX]

A great part of tournaments is LUCK.


The worse thing u can do is get in your head you are playing pro's. That will mess with your mind and game.


Just play your game the best you can.

[Bobby C]

When it's your turn, either check, fold, or go all-in.

You'll often be a dog, but at least you'll have a puncher's chance.

[capt]

most important is to have fun and relax if you were good enough to qualify you are good enough to be there