Responsible Gaming

My first online tournament…and how I got on

Posted by Adam Ralph on 19 Sep 2008 at 14:09

I played my first online tournament on www.CircusPoker.co.uk this week and thanks to my coach, Waldorf1’s advice, I won! I think beginner’s luck may have played a part in my success, but I couldn’t have done it without Waldorf1’s tips along the way.

I entered a $50 Sit and Go Tournament, playing against five other players. We all started with 1,500 chips and I got some action pretty early on with pocket 9s. On Waldorf1’s advice I went all-in before the flop and got a caller with K-Q. Worse yet the flop showed a queen so I was in trouble! But then lady luck arrived and gifted me another 9 on the turn. Happy days! I’d doubled up early on with my trip 9s and was in a commanding position.

Just 45 minutes later it was down to me and one other player. I went all-in with A-Q suited and got a call with K-10. Neither of our hands were improved by the flop, turn or river and I won ace high. I walked away with $210 and Waldorf1’s advice ringing in my ears.

Want to find out what he told me? Then read on…

PRE-PLAY TIPS

Deposit enough cash to cover you for a few games, but set yourself a monthly limit and try to stick to it.
If you’re a beginner then start off on the less expensive tables to give you time to get your game together.
Make sure you know what sort of tournament you’re entering before you stump up the cash. Read all the information available so you know what you’re taking part in.
Avoid the TURBO tournaments if you’re someone that needs time to consider his, or her, bet.

TOURNAMENT TIPS

If you can call cheaply then do. 7-2 is the worst hand you can get, but seeing the flop can improve any hand, however bad it is.
Likewise, if you’ve got a strong hand, make people pay to see the flop by betting at least triple the big blind. Nothing will drain your chips quicker than slow-playing premium pocket cards like A-A, K-K, Q-Q. So protect those big hands!
If it only costs you the big blinds, bet any connectors. There’s a better chance of landing a straight with the likes of 2-3, 4-5, 7-8 etc.
Force other players to make a decision. If every player checks to you and you haven’t got a hand yet, bet at least half the pot. If another player is pretending to have a weak hand to suck you in you’ll find out anyway when they make their bet, so you might as well take the initiative early to steal the pot.
When you’re not playing a hand don’t switch off. You can learn as much when you’re not playing as you can when you are. Watch how other players bet, what cards they’re happy to bet with and look out for ‘tells’.
Take it a step further and imagine you’re still playing your hand. Pretend you’re still betting and imagine how much you’d bet.
Make notes on other players’ habits. The more you can learn about another player, the greater chance you have of beating them.
It’s better to make several small mistakes, rather than one big one. So if you’re not sure about the strength of your hand don’t be too proud to fold it!

Remember, you can check out our poker school for more tips and a glossary of poker terms.

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