Big Live Tournament

Nuts Poker League Final - Strategy

In a little over a month I will be playing in The Nuts Poker League National Final. For those of you who don't know what that is here is their website: http://www.thenutspokerleague.com and here is the information on the Final: http://www.thenutspokerleague.com/go/national-finals

As you can see blinds are 30 levels long starting at 25/50 starting with 10,000 chips. 20 people out of what looks about 100 listed players cash (1/5th of the field? Seems a lot to me?) and top prize is £2400 - quite a bit to me.

This is by far the biggest live tourney I've played in, both players wise and prize wise. Usually live I play £25-£30 at a card room with 20-40 players. Also 30 minute blind levels and 200 BB's starting stack seems quite deep. Seems quite intimidating to me.

Now, I know people may say "You've made it this far, you're more than capable" but I made it to the Regional Final playing at a Venue League against a very soft field who'd be at home asking "What's position?"

So, my question is, what strategies and tips can people give on this kind of tournament? What adjustments should I make as a mainly online player? Has anyone actually played in one of these?

Any and all tips and opinions welcome!

I've played in the APPT in 2008, the APT in 2009, and a wsop side event this past summer.

The biggest mistake that most players make in their first few live tourneys (I was definitely guilty of this in Seoul in 2008) is they play too conservatively, get pushed off the pot too easily in marginal situations because they don't want to bust out early, and often fail to make necessary bluffs.

Relax, focus, pay attention to your opponents and look for the above traits so that you can exploit them. Don't be afraid to put your chips at risk and be observant to who at the table really doesn't care about the money, as they will usually be the ones taking the biggest risks.

Solid advice from JMcCabe.

Forget about possible prizes, and just focus on making the best decisions to win

Just concentrate on the table you are on and try and forget about the amount of players left in the tornament . I personaly like to know what Av stack to try and ensure i always know how big my stack size is compared to rest of torn .

P.S what the wwfc stand for ?

Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. Thanks for the input guys.

Are you old enough to play live?

Take it easy, try to have fun more then beeing very serious! You play better when you are relaxed for sure. Wait for hands and play when you have cards..Obv take it very easy the first periods..

Pascal LeFiscal said:

Are you old enough to play live?

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Haha I think you can be younger in the united nations and play... Annette Oberstad was 18 when she won her bracelet.

Aha, I know the picture makes me look 12 but I am in fact old enough to play in the UK and the US!

Oh and "in a little over a month" was unedited from another forum. Should have read tomorrow. Meaning...today!

JohnBoyWWFC said:

Aha, I know the picture makes me look 12 but I am in fact old enough to play in the UK and the US!

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don't worry... in the little barrel is the good wine!!!

salim271 said:

Haha I think you can be younger in the united nations and play... Annette Oberstad was 18 when she won her bracelet.

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Annette lives in the same city as me (Sandnes) when she`s at home. She played online from when she was 15 and crushing the 100 R on pokerstars..Thats one sick girl!

How'd it go?

salim271 said:

Haha I think you can be younger in the united nations and play... Annette Oberstad was 18 when she won her bracelet.

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lolwut?

Aldito said:

lolwut?

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LMFAO idk why i put united nations, im an idiot. I meant all of those countries in europe... france... England... etc.... im a dumbass.

I played recently in a similar structure tourney in Vegas. 10,000 starting stack 25 / 50 blinds and 30 minute levels. There were entrants than yours at 62.

With this type of game it is going to be a marathon and you should be prepared to be patient especially in the early stages. Take things easy to start with and take in as much information as you can on the other players at your table. Throw in the odd bet or raise but back off if you are attacked unless of course you clearly have the best hand. Be patient and then adopt a more aggressive approach as the game develops.

Good luck. I hope you do well.

Pascal LeFiscal said:

How'd it go?

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Let's not talk about it. Let's just say table 13-unlucky for some...

If you want to make an omelette.....

You'll get 'em next time. I got deepish in my first two tournaments, only to crash out in the top 20% of entrants.

Big live MTTs are great learning experiences though, and often worth the cost.