If you’re going to the World Series of Poker, one of the most helpful things you can do before you arrive is clear up a few common misconceptions.
If you can let go of these ideas ahead of time, you’ll have a much better understanding of what’s about to happen. You’ll also be far less surprised when certain moments come up.
Let’s get into it.
1. You probably won’t cash your first few tournaments
If you’re playing a handful of tournaments rather than the entire series, it’s very possible you won’t cash in any of them — or maybe just one.
These events are packed with dedicated players, and tournament poker comes with a huge amount of variance. So if you don’t cash your first four or five tournaments, or even your first week of play, don’t beat yourself up. That doesn’t mean a big score isn’t still around the corner.
Every year, I see students arrive at the WSOP excited and motivated, only to start panicking six days in because they haven’t cashed yet. You can’t do that to yourself.
Remember: you’re playing a marathon, not a sprint. The first few days — or even the first week or two — do not define your summer. If you can put together one strong result during the series, that can still make it a great trip.
Stay focused on each tournament as it comes.
2. You’re not going to feel great the whole time
Don’t get me wrong — I love Las Vegas as much as anyone. But competing there for an extended period can be tougher than people expect.
The heat is intense, the pace is fast, and the whole environment can wear you down. A lot of players get into the city, and then, eight days later, they’re exhausted and not really sure why.
That’s just the nature of the beast.
If you’re not from Vegas, you’re playing an away game. You’re concentrating for long stretches, often against wild and unpredictable competition, and that takes a toll.
Give yourself some grace. Give yourself time. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling tired or drained. Take breaks. Get some movement in. Go to the gym if you can, or even spend some time in the pool.
Recovery matters.
3. You are going to make mistakes
This might sound obvious, but a lot of players still struggle with it.
You would be amazed how many people make one mistake in a tournament and let it affect them for the rest of the trip.
Listen: nobody plays a perfect series. Nobody pitches a perfect game. Even professionals make mistakes.
In fact, mistakes are even more likely at the WSOP because you’re making so many decisions in a short amount of time, often in chaotic situations against players from all over the world.
So when you make one, don’t spiral. Don’t carry it with you for days. Learn from it, dust yourself off, and keep playing.
4. If you go deep, expect to lose a big pot at some point
This is a big one.
A lot of players struggle for several days, then finally build a stack and start to feel hopeful. They think, 'This is the one. The last few days were rough, but this tournament is going to turn everything around!'
Then they lose half their stack in one hand — and it completely rattles them.
But the truth is, that kind of moment should be expected.
As you go deeper in tournaments, players get more aggressive, stacks get shorter, and equities run closer. Because of that, it’s very common to lose 50% to 75% of your chips in a single pot.
That doesn’t mean your tournament is over. It doesn’t mean you blew your chance. And it definitely doesn’t mean you can’t still win.
If you expect those swings ahead of time, they won’t shock you when they happen.
Final thought
If you can clear up these misconceptions before you get to Vegas, you’ll give yourself a much better chance to handle the WSOP the right way.
You’ll stay steadier emotionally, manage the inevitable ups and downs better, and put yourself in a stronger position to succeed.
Best of luck out there.
Alex Fitzgerald is a best-selling author published by D&B Poker. Check out Alex’s most recent book, ‘How to Beat Players Who Never Fold.’
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