Jonathan Jaffe: Nobody needs to prep for success

Craig Tapscott
Posted on: May 10, 2024 14:28 PDT

The countdown to the 2024 World Series of Poker is on. Each day until the start of the series on May 28, we'll bring you tips and insider info from some of the biggest names in the game.

Jonathan Jaffe’s most recent big wins have come at the 2023 WPT Alpha 8 One Drop for $1.5M and the 2023 Poker Masters for $756,000. He has more than $12,000,000 in career cashes and is one of the most popular coaches at PokerCoaching.


How should players prep for the WSOP grind?

The vast majority of preparation should center around studying common situations you're not so comfortable with. Beyond that, I would advise doing what you can to get in good physical shape, particularly with a sustainable diet and exercise plan over your time in Vegas.

My final piece of advice is to prepare emotionally. Nobody needs to prepare for success, but most of us will be down money and possibly without a single cash two weeks into the series. 

Taking a few minutes to try and inhabit that potential reality before you're in it can help provide some perspective and clarity should you find yourself there come summer.

Jonathan Jaffe heads-up Jonathan Jaffe heads-up at the $110K WPT Alpha8 for One Drop

What event are you most looking forward? 

The $250k. The higher the buy-in and the smaller and more elite the field, the better. I get most excited about competing against the best

Small fields provide the added bonus that you're going to win some reasonable percentage of the time. Deep runs are enjoyable, but nothing compares to finishing first


Check out the full schedule for the 2024 WSOP and plan which events you're going to target this summer. If you're looking at the lower end of the buy-ins, check out The Rec's guide to the WSOP. If you're looking for action with a bigger budget, follow what Jennifer Tilly is doing.

Images courtesy of WPT