How to mentally prepare for the WSOP

How to mentally prepare for the WSOP

There is a wonderful trend happening in the world of a professional poker, one which I am sure you have witnessed for yourself. Each year, as the popularity of poker continues to grow all across America and the world, more and more amateur players are finding themselves participating in poker on the tournament level. This is happening online as well as in actual casinos. In fact, the exploding phenomenon of online satellite tournaments has been responsible for introducing more players to the world of tournament poker than any other single feature.

The natural result of all this new-found interest in tournament play has been an influx of new players into the World Series of Poker. Each year, this field continues to get bigger and bigger as more amateurs do whatever it takes to get themselves ready for this granddaddy of all poker matches. In fact, the field has always continued an upward trajectory ever since the very first WSOP in 1970, but in recent years the increase has expanded exponentially. Obviously, the boom of televised professional poker play has made a significant impact in this area.

If you count yourself among the many hopefuls who plan to compete in the 2006 World Series of Poker and have never been involved with such a high stakes event before, you are probably wondering what are the best ways in which to prepare yourself for what lies ahead. You must understand that in order to be even somewhat successful, you must thoroughly train yourself to stay focused during what can often be a long and grueling event. It's a whole lot easier to sit on your butt and watch other people play, making casual remarks when they screw up about how you would have done much better in the same situation. The reality is that a tremendous psychological burden is placed upon all players in the WSOP, especially those who are unfamiliar with this high pressure environment.

Therefore, in order to mentally prepare yourself, you must carve out a certain amount of each day to practice your poker skills. By all means, gather as many friends and poker colleagues as possible and engage as many games as you can fit into your schedule. Even if no real money is on the line, treat each game as if that were in fact the case. This way, you will start adapting the mindset of a champion, and develop your own killer instinct which will be essential if you wish to win at the WSOP

Furthermore, you must make a ruthless self-assessment of your own strengths and weaknesses as a poker player. Ask your friends (at least, the ones you trust enough to give you an honest answer) to make their own observations which you can look at in relation to what you have found. You must identify and eradicate your "tells" and giveaway signs. This is of the greatest importance, as experienced poker players will take advantage of an amateur's tells immediately. Always remember that it is a great honor and privilege to play in the biggest poker tournament in the world, so make sure you take the time to prepare yourself mentally.