First live tournament tips.

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TheArnie

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Hello, I am playing to play my first small stake MTT live. Buyin is 12€ and field is going to be approximately 50 people. Any general tips for an usual online player to prepare for this?
 
edc1

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try not to get nervous when you first sit down-enjoy yourself and savour the moment-you,ll get the hang of playing live -its a much slower game than online-check out some vids on live tells they will help you along the way-watch other ppl at your table -look for some change in there behavior when they have a good hand then watch them when they have bad hand-if your a ppl person it will come easy to you-best of luck n skill to ya i hope you take it down
 
Hellvor

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Get a beer if you can :) helps calm the nervs a lot. Try not to play too tight, you may not realize it at the time but if you are nervous you'll do things that you wouldn't do online.

Once you have played live poker half a dozen times you'll feel more at home.
 
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TheArnie

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Update: me and my friend didn't have enough money after celebrating my birthday so we gambled on blackjack to win buyin and lost :D Good time :D
 
detroitjunkie

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#1 - dont gamble your buy in on blackjack unless you know how to play correct and are counting

#2 - the first thing I always tell everyone the first time they go to play live is LEARN THE RULES of live poker in the building you are playing in
 
rytciaq

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I'd suggest bringing sunglasses - if it is your first live tournament, your eyes can give a lot of information if you don't control your gaze.
 
westside1950

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drink one shot (or beer) before the tourney starts.
trust me, this is the best advice you'll get, if you already know your game :D
 
TheKAAHK

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Have patience. Live games play a lot slower than online. Verbalize your intentions before you act (like announce your raise before tossing in chips). Don't worry too much about tells either. At most small games the edge from tells is so small it's nearly inconsequential. And don't take it too seriously. Enjoy the experience and you'll play a lot better
 
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TheArnie

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#1 - dont gamble your buy in on blackjack unless you know how to play correct and are counting

#2 - the first thing I always tell everyone the first time they go to play live is LEARN THE RULES of live poker in the building you are playing in

Thing is we didn't have enough money for buyin, because we drank buyin money away while celebrating my birthday day before, so there was no choice but to gamble :D

Thanks everyone for nice tips though.
 
ScottieDuncan

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Be patient and alert to other players actions at the table. No hurried calls or bets.
 
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TheArnie

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Quick update - I am finally playing this tournament. Live poker is sucb a great experience. After first hour, approximate 4-5BB above average stack. Nicely flopped 2 pair with AT, everyone folded to my jam. Then collected alot of chips,by shovinf AQ over 5 limpers - everyone folded. Also, another hand, flopped,gutshit with AQ and cbet bluff and maniac guy folded and shoved Jack (he had middle pair) I showed my hand and table bursted out in laughter :D (got tight image, played like 4 hands over hour) Overall, first hour and rebuy period is over, so GL luck to me :D
 
Syltan

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In my experience the tournament live is a lot more to see the flop than online in short tournaments, because in contrast to online, the blinds rise very quickly and wait for strong hands does not work.
 
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TheArnie

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Tourney over - was shortstack all the time, won only like 2 pots and alot of splits when I had them dominated - my AQ vs A9 comes in mind. Survived tho and got nickname "thief":D Everyone said im psycho but I was just following push/fold tactic. I noticed live play is really loose at beginning, but towards FT everyone becomes ultra nitty, even shortstacks.
Was crippled when I got all with my 88 vs 55. When cards where shown I muttered to myself "dominated" and dealer smiled and said "u sure?" And dealt ****in 5 on turn :D
 
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TheArnie

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**** this getting my PP's cracked by lower PP's and dominated hands all the time. Variance is a bitch
 
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Update: Finally got 5th place. Was really lucky to get split with my AJ vs AQ. Procceded to play and lost 2 flips in a row, once with AK vs 88 and 22 vs AK. Gg
 
8475483829

8475483829

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This thread was an emotional rollercoaster, so I'm glad to see a happy ending..

p.s. no more blackjack :)
 
maniaka68

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the first time is the best you are nervous drink one calm and enjoy :)
 
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cormierced

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deep breathe every beginning of hand.. ;)
watch and pay attention to every player on your table..
 
yfaleiro

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learn the rules of live poker (watching other people playing)

dont play MEGA tight

if you're nervous, keep your hands down

when the dealer draw the flop, don't look at the cards, look at the other players and try to extract some info
 
PershingSt

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Relax and enjoy yourself ! The game is not that different but pace is much slower . You might have a few tighter players who do not shove short stacks as much as online but other than that just try and play your regular game and adjust to the players at the table . I find it helpful to watch the players in each hand carefully especially when not in a hand because otherwise as an online player you might get bored with the pace of the game .
 
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