With $50 million guaranteed, ACR Poker’s OSS XL gives players a shot at massive cash prizes across a packed schedule of events. While the series kicked off May 11 and is already in progress, there's still more than enough time to get in on the action to claim your share of the prize pools.
But before you dive in, check out these tips from ACR Pros Katie Lindsay, Drew Gonzalez, and Jon Pardy on how to navigate the series like a pro.
With over $50 million guaranteed in this OSS XL, what’s your mindset heading into a series of this magnitude?
Lindsay: I’m feeling great after my recent Venom final table — having that kind of momentum really helps going into a big online series.
Gonzalez: For me, I know there are going to be longer days when I sit down to grind, so I need to mentally tell myself to 'buckle up.' Regardless of how the session may be going, I need to brush off any bad beats and keep focused on making good decisions. I have to push myself a little bit more during these big series to make sure I make the most of this huge opportunity.
Pardy: Anytime you have a chance at life-changing money every single day, it brings a ton of excitement. My mindset is just to try to compete at my highest level each day. Remind myself it’s a long series and there are a ton of huge events – you can’t get too high or too low early on.
Take your vitamins
How do you mentally and technically prepare for a series as intense and high-stakes as OSS XL?
Lindsay: I think since you will be inside sitting down for long periods of time, it’s so important to get outside and get moving whenever you can. I bought a small step machine that I used during breaks of the Venom and I felt like that helped a lot to get some cardio in and my heart rate up.
Gonzalez: I think more than ever it’s important to have my meals planned, dog sitter sorted, and have all distractions set to the side before I sit down to play. I need to get a good stretch in, do some practice hands, and then I’ll be prepared to perform my best.
Pardy: I think when it comes to the OSS XL, if you are planning on grinding this series or chasing the leaderboard, what you do away from the table is so important. You have to make sure you’re getting your sleep, getting your exercise in each morning, and trying to stay ahead of any burnout a series of this magnitude can bring.
Which event are you most excited for and what’s your game plan to crush it?
Lindsay: I can’t wait for the Main Event weekend! It comes with such huge guarantees and life-changing money; what more could you want?
Gonzalez: I’m most excited for the mystery bounty events. Yes, I’m an MB junkie! Since the MB events are accumulators, I’ll be focused on playing the Day 1s as often as I can through the week to make sure I have a nice bag for Day 2 when bounties are activated. I plan to have at least a 50 big blind stack in all three main mystery bounty events.
Pardy: I’m most excited for the $33 buy-in $200K mystery bounty. A small buy-in and a huge guarantee with the opportunity of pulling multiple massive bounties... Game plan? Be a luck box.
In for the min to win the max
For players looking to turn a small buy-in into a big score, which OSS XL events offer the best shot and how should they prepare?
Lindsay: One of my favorite things about ACR is the opportunity they provide to get into bigger events from smaller buy-ins. There are so many options between steps and satellites to give yourself a real shot at big money without breaking your bankroll.
Gonzalez: Players on a smaller bankroll should definitely look at playing the satellites that run all week on ACR. Stack up some tickets and give yourself multiple shots at big scores in higher buy-in events. Beyond that, some key events to keep an eye out for are the $5.50 $100K Mystery Bounty (the top bounty will likely be $10K) and also the Sunday events will offer bigger guarantees, which means bigger payouts.
Pardy: ACR offers the widest variety of buy-ins, anywhere from $1 to $2650, so there is a game for everyone. The best shot, in my opinion, would be to survive, pass on marginal spots, and be patient. During these series, each event is a marathon, so be prepared.
With multiple seven-figure GTD Main Events on the schedule, what does it take to run deep in these tournaments and what mistakes should players avoid?
Lindsay: I think patience is key. Remember, it’s one hand at a time and you can’t force the chips to come. You have to stay patient, look for good spots and good hands and maximize your value when you do get into those situations.
Gonzalez: The key to running deep in these events is going to be preflop hand selection. Often it’s easy to want to play a lot of hands in hopes of getting lucky or smashing a flop, but what usually ends up happening is you get yourself into a sticky spot and end up losing a lot of chips. It’s a marathon with these big events, so be patient and try to put yourself in good spots with stronger holdings.
Pardy: In any huge field MTT, you need to get lucky. There will always be a balance of playing well and running well that will lead you deep into tournaments. Trust your gut, take your time and play your game.
ACR Poker’s OSS XL series is running now and ends June 3.
Images courtesy of Moneymaker Tour.
