Getting Ready for the 2009 WSOP Main Event
Having just gotten back from the 2009 WSOP at the Rio in Vegas, I thought I would write a short post to remind those of you getting ready for the Main Event a couple of things that are often overlooked. Especially if you have never played at a WSOP event before, you might find that you are in for a couple of surprises.
First of all, you need to get yourself ready for the grind. All WSOP events are a grind and you will play poker for very long periods of time, the Main Event being no exception. You need to get yourself ready for this both mentally and physically. You will be sitting at a poker table for long periods of time and it is tough to remain sharp mentally for the duration. Most players I know bring a bag of some sort with a "survival kit" customized for the individual.
There are some essentials like extra food or snacks. Ipods are a staple for many players. I didn't have this problem, but some people like to bring a jacket in case they get cold. I know it sounds funny at a casino in Vegas in the middle of summer, but the rooms you are going to be playing in are kept cool and it is better to be prepared than uncomfortable. Obviously, a supply of water is a good idea, although you can always order some from the many servers walking around the tables.
Don't be afraid to get up frequently and stretch your legs, or many players also take advantage of the massages that are available right at your table. Whatever it takes, you need to keep your body feeling good so that your mind will stay focused. Utilize your breaks to walk around the casino, keep something to eat, go to the bathroom etc, so that you don't have to get up from the table in the middle of a round and miss hands. A little planning in this area will go a long way to insuring that you don't have to get up and risk having those pocket Ace's folded for you without your ever having seen them.
Overall, the WSOP is a huge event no matter if you are playing in the Main Event or another smaller one. A little planning will go a long way to having a comfortable experience and playing better poker.
Having just gotten back from the 2009 WSOP at the Rio in Vegas, I thought I would write a short post to remind those of you getting ready for the Main Event a couple of things that are often overlooked. Especially if you have never played at a WSOP event before, you might find that you are in for a couple of surprises.
First of all, you need to get yourself ready for the grind. All WSOP events are a grind and you will play poker for very long periods of time, the Main Event being no exception. You need to get yourself ready for this both mentally and physically. You will be sitting at a poker table for long periods of time and it is tough to remain sharp mentally for the duration. Most players I know bring a bag of some sort with a "survival kit" customized for the individual.
There are some essentials like extra food or snacks. Ipods are a staple for many players. I didn't have this problem, but some people like to bring a jacket in case they get cold. I know it sounds funny at a casino in Vegas in the middle of summer, but the rooms you are going to be playing in are kept cool and it is better to be prepared than uncomfortable. Obviously, a supply of water is a good idea, although you can always order some from the many servers walking around the tables.
Don't be afraid to get up frequently and stretch your legs, or many players also take advantage of the massages that are available right at your table. Whatever it takes, you need to keep your body feeling good so that your mind will stay focused. Utilize your breaks to walk around the casino, keep something to eat, go to the bathroom etc, so that you don't have to get up from the table in the middle of a round and miss hands. A little planning in this area will go a long way to insuring that you don't have to get up and risk having those pocket Ace's folded for you without your ever having seen them.
Overall, the WSOP is a huge event no matter if you are playing in the Main Event or another smaller one. A little planning will go a long way to having a comfortable experience and playing better poker.
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