$50,000 Guaranteed

Here in just a couple of months there will be a $50,000 guaranteed poker
challenge at a local casino. The entry fee is only $300 so I've decided to enter. The entry cutoff is at 308 I believe. I have played 3 other smaller tournaments in my area doing well. I have a first, sixth, and a third. My confidence about winning is not lacking, I do well in the casinos. The only real question I have is how does one approach a 2 day tournament, assuming I make it to the 2nd day? I have read several books, but if there is one anyone recommends I' listening. I have Harrington's books, also Play Poker Like the Pros, would it be okay to just reread those? Any strategy tips, links, books, etc., you think might help me prepare would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You!
JCW

No one has any info they wanna pass on? Okay, thank you.

My advice would to be take it one day at a time, dont worry about 2nd day of the tournament unless you've made it that far. The reason being is because thoughts of playing the second day or scoring that big win might cloud your judgment at the tables; you might be folding profitable hands when you should be calling because 'If I lose, I might get knocked out' etc type thinking or you might be too involved in a mediocre hand, etc...I wouldnt even think about it unless I was deep in the tournament with a few players to go, then maybe I could cruise into the next day. Focus on your own table(s), the day 1 opponents, and do your best in that tournament. Then, hopefully, if you do make it to the next day, forget whatever happened on day 1 and focus on day 2. This is how I would approach the game. Other than this...just play your best, try not to make any mistakes, and have fun.

thank you for your reply. i will take note of what you said, and i think your right about not looking ahead. thanks again.

where does this take place? i would like to partake into something like this.

in iowa

Read a couple of Bernard Lee's blogs on ESPN. He talks a lot about multi-day tournaments and how he approaches them as part of his strategy.

You can basically break it down to the level if you want to.

Best of cards.

I would think the non poker related things will affect you more than you expect.

-Get good sleep the night before it starts. If you clear day one, do not party, sleep.

-Eat a decent breakfast before it starts.

-Make sure none of your outside life concerns come with you to the event.

-Think happy thoughts.

Of course these things will not protect you from the donks, or the suck-outs. But they just might help you see one coming before it destroys you.

Imagine the alternatives;

You partied till the wee hours the night before, and can barely stagger to the tables on day one. You got so drunk you threw up and have nothing in your stomach at the start of the tourney. It is growling so you scarf down a donut, some orange juice and so much coffee, you have to run to the bathroom every other orbit. You've got gas.

Your wife/girlfriend is tagging along. She expects compensation for her 'support'. She has all the money already spent in her mind, and has started in the local shops during the boring parts of the game.

Get the picture?

Why make things hard on yourself? Been in 2 small casino tournaments (1 day, 100 seats or less). I playeach table like it's the FINAL table. Gives me a lot more focus at immediate time, don't worry about meking the next one (because in my mind there isn't), am a lot more aware of what's going on at THAT table, and if I do well I'm building a lot more confidence for the nest one! Simple, and it works for me. Placed 2nd and 7th. Hope this might help you a little and good luck!!!! 300 bucks ain't hay.

300 dollars a lot or not much for you? If you can play and not think about the money too much at the table you should be fine.

I would play the first day much like I play the first hour of online tournies just as something you need to get through and if you got a lot more chips than the average then its all good.

Second day you might need to take some more substantial risks as the blinds go up and be willing to put all your money in if you feel it is right. There is no foul in being a little bit careful at the the blind levels where you still got quite a lot of chips to play around with.