Advice for my first live cash tournament

[diabloblanco]

I just received an invite to a charity tournament this weekend near my place benefitting an Autism school. The buy-in is 115.00usd with a cap at 500 players. The payouts are 3000.00usd for first, 2000.00usd for second, and 1000.00usd for third, and 100.00usd for fourth through 14th. I have played home games for a long time and online as well, but due to location and time constraints I have yet to play in a live tournament like this. So basically what I am looking for from you guys, is a few general tips for success in the tournament. I am confident in my game, I jusr want to make sure I don't make some obscure common mistake that makes me look like a flounder. I am pumped about this tournament and any advice you guys have is greatly appreciated.

 

[Poker Player 100]

PLay cards that you like.

Also be tighter then looser

 

[diabloblanco]

I figured on starting super-tight and feeling things out before I start making any moves. Hopefully I will be able to keep it mixed up so that I don't get pegged with a style.

 

[MicheleW]

At my first live tournament I found that many of the player went all-in right off the bat, so do not let temptation to call them get to you - unless you really have a great hand.

I agree too, play tight until the weaker players go - play only winning cards - and loosen up play when you're at the final table.

Good luck and have a ball!!! Live tourney are fun.

P.S. If its a charity event, I wonder how many people will actually be good players. I bet they won't even be looking at your play - but trying to figure out the game and watching themselves!

 

[JonSherwood]

Have fun. Generally I seem to have a lot more fun playing live poker because there is interaction and conversation and a lot more ways to read your opponent. I usually stick to jus tplaying with friends which makes it hard because you don't want to sit there with your poker face on and not talk to them. The advantage of something like this is you can concentrate and not have to worry too much about socializing because other people will be there just to play poker too.

Those are some big prizes! Win one!

Jon

 

[Poker Player 100]

Yea remember

1. ITS ALWAYS good to vote(play) conservative during these tourneys.(or any for that matter)

because if these guys are agressive 1of 2 things can happen

1.they get knocked out

2.they become chip leader.

 

[diabloblanco]

Those prizes I thought were big also. I can't pass that opportunity up, 115 bucks for a chance to roll it into 3 grand. There are only gonna be 500 seats there, I figure half or less will be actual players and only half of them will be any good (I hope) so I'm feeling pretty confident. Ill keep you guys posted.

 

[HollyGo]

Don't forget the all important pre-flop raise if you have good hole cards that you're planning on playing. (I preach pre-flop raising alot b/c it changed my poker life...lol.)

Bonne chance mon ami!

Take care,
HollyGo

 

[colin_147]

Good luck Diablo. All I will say is....treat it as you would an online game. Remember, if it can happen online, it can happen live. If you have a strong hand, just play it as you would normally. If you have some success online with your game, then you will be fine

 

[Four Dogs]

Good luck.

 

[diabloblanco]

Thanks guys, I'm gonna do as I said and play my game. Stay tight for a while and let the wild men all-in themselves out, then lossen up a bit and try to make a few moves and maybe double up before going back tight again. Of course I'm sure its like a bare-knuckle fight, the first time you get hit in the nose, your strategy goes out the window. Thanks for the replies kids, ill keep ya posted.