Bodog's Tourney Tips Friday!
Welcome back to the tournament tips column. This is part 4 of a 6 part series that will guide you through most of the dilemmas you will face playing a high stakes multi-table tournament.
Last week saw us through the bubble. It is always worth giving yourself a pat on the back if you have passed that stage as you have achieved your first goal: to make it into the money.
Ok, now for some bad news: it is almost impossible to offer hard and fast rules from this point until the final table. By now, the Yahoos will mostly be fired out and the field will be full of decent players. There will be occasions when there is a bad player or two up the leader-board so keep your eyes open, but most players will be competent.
So, what you should do?
Well, first of all, how about capitalising on the fact that you are playing online? If it were a bricks 'n mortar event, you would be completely on your own - you would be subject to no direct support and, particularly at the events that ban headphones, you would have to cope with the banter – but it is not.
Remember, the key thing about poker is Brad Pitt's advice to the fish in Ocean's Eleven – emotion has no place at the table. However, he doesn't say the kicker – there is no table without emotion. It's what makes the game worthwhile and it can be an even bigger factor in a tournament with a fixed structure.
So, how do you minimise emotion whilst playing online?
Firstly - If you are finding the chat annoying, turn it off. It is surprising how much that can help – give it a go. Even players who are not becoming irritated will benefit from the lack of distraction.
Secondly, have a friend who knows poker watch your tournament. Think about it: have you ever watched a TV quiz show and seen a contestant take the money on an easy question? It is because of the pressure. TV producers are aware of it, the contestant is aware of it and poker players are highly subject to it. Having someone watch your tournament is the equivalent of 'phoning a friend' – you can take time and consider the advice of someone who is not experiencing the full G-force of the tournament.
Thirdly, never have your hand on the mouse between actions. If you have been multi-tabling up to the bubble, stop right now. Just focus on the tournament. By making sure your hand is never on the mouse, you give yourself more time.
A lot of online players react too quickly – that is ok in a cash game as they have infinite play, but not in a tournament. If this decision could be your last, take your time. If necessary, stand up – anything to break the body's rigidity. Your decision should be measured, so make sure you utilise the time bank. It's a great feature and it allows you to weigh the decision.
OK, that should all help keep you balanced.
Next week we will talk about strategic decisions and how to manage your bankroll to maximise your chance of booking a place at the final table and earning $$$$!
Play poker online with Bodog Poker. And don't forget to get onto those Tournament Schedules!!
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