Ever since the popularity of poker exploded all across the world two decades ago, the global phenomenon continues to attract players from all walks of life. And with that comes the need for new or inexperienced players to learn the ins and outs of the game.
When it comes to playing in a WPT poker tournament, there are a lot of things to consider. Above all, poker is a game of strategy with an element of chance sprinkled in. That means that over time, the best players will come out on top. So, if you want to be one of those still standing when the dust settles, take the time to implement these helpful tips:
Determine What Your Buy-In Range Is
Bankroll management is the first skill you need to master. Since tournaments are a feast or famine proposition, you need to make sure that you have enough buy-ins to make it through the downtimes before hitting a nice payout.
Learn the Different Blind Structures and Tournament Types
There are dozens of different tournament styles. From freezeouts to rebuys/add-ons to hyper turbo to bounty tournaments, each type has its own unique set of rules, blind levels, and sometimes differing rules. Familiarize yourself with the different options to find out which ones best suit your style.
Get in the Proper Mindset for Play
One of the biggest mistakes online players make before entering a WPT poker tournament (or any other tourney) is not mentally preparing. Go to a private place where you won’t be disturbed, turn off the TV, and get rid of anything else that could distract your focus from the task at hand, which is winning!
Loosen Up in the Beginning Rounds
If you are in a tournament with a healthy chip-to-blind ratio at the start (such as Double Stack or Megastack tourneys), you should consider opening up your hand range a little bit. Not only will this allow you to make a few more hands and pick up a few more pots than you normally would, but it will also give you a loser table image for when you implement the next tip:
Tighten Up in the Mid to Later Rounds
Once the blinds start rising, it’s time to shrink your hand range and play a little more conservatively. And since you have already given your tablemates the impression that you play a little loose (like you did in the early rounds), you should get a little more action with your stronger hands.
Once You Find the WPT Poker Tournament You Like, Stick with It!
Unlike cash games, tournaments are designed in a way where you may play several without winning any money. However, one deep run in a good tourney and you may just find yourself cashing in a big payday! So, once you have discovered what types of tournaments you enjoy most (and are most skilled at), invest the time to play in as many as you can.