How to practice for the WSOP

Practice makes perfect

All across this great nation of ours, millions of Americans are going through various rituals which define the hottest of our four seasons. If you’re like me, you're probably cleaning out the old barbecue, setting up the badminton net, inflating the good old Slip 'N Slide in the backyard, throwing out unnecessary food from the refrigerator in order to make room for plenty of ice-cold oat sodas and generally preparing yourself for three months of lazy, hazy, crazy summer fun.

However, there is an elite crew of Americans who call themselves true lovers of the game of poker. For these folks, among whom I count myself as a proud member, there is an entirely separate set of preparations that must be made every summer, usually starting around the beginning of June. That’s right, I am talking about getting yourself ready for the World Series of Poker. After all, this is the King Kong of all poker tournaments, and only a fool of colossal proportions would attempt to enter this event without spending hours of arduous prep time.

For the sake of this article, let's assume that you are intending to participate as a competitor in the 2006 World Series of Poker. Let us further assume that you are not a poker player by profession. Rather, you are a skilled amateur who has proved your worth on a number of occasions, taking home large pots in matches played among your friends and colleagues, as well as in some online satellite tournaments. In fact, it is more than likely that it was by virtue of winning a satellite you find yourself in the position to compete in the 2006 WSOP.

So, how do you prepare? The primary ample answer is a simple one: by doing more of what you have already done to reach this point. Namely, you must keep playing a tremendous amount of poker and make a constant effort to hone your poker skills with each new hand that is dealt. However, if you have been focusing on Internet poker recently, I strongly urge you to turn off the computer for awhile and engage in some matches with live opponents. After all, there is a world of difference between playing in a casino environment and sitting in front of a computer monitor.

In particular, you must focus a laser-like attention on mastering all of your tells, learning them by heart and then learning how to conceal them. Put in some hours in front of the mirror if necessary until you had a full understanding of any little involuntary quirks which telegraph what you’re holding. On the flip side, be sure to study the mannerisms of the other people you play and thus create a more keen eye towards exploiting tells in your opponents.

Furthermore, you want to get all of your logistical planning (such as travel and accommodations) out of the way well in advance of the World Series of Poker. It is of paramount importance than you enter the tournament with a clear mind, which you will never be able to attain if you are burdened with last-minute changes to your itinerary. Always a plan ahead and give yourself enough time to deal with any unexpected contingencies. That is the best approach to performing well in the World Series of Poker.