Wicked Chops Poker
The WSOP Survival Guide
Many of you reading this Bluff issue are on a flight to, a break during, or on the can at the 2007 World Series of Poker (WSOP).
So consider this article your key that unlocks the matrix to WSOP success. We could sell the advice in this article for literally millions of dollars. But there comes a time in life when you say, “What is ANOTHER million really going to buy me? It’s time to do something good.” And you start thinking more philanthropically. Ironically we’re not so much at the “philanthropic” phase of our life cycle right now as we are in the “Bluff Magazine has photos of us that we really really really really really don’t want to get out to the public so they’re making us publish this information for free” phase of our life cycle.
We’ve covered the WSOP for a few years now. So we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t when it comes to surviving the tournament, both mentally and physically.
HERE ARE OUR WICKED CHOPS POKER WSOP SURVIVAL TIPS.
Don’t suck. Sure, there have been a few previous WSOP Main Event and prelim winners (who will remain nameless) who truly suck at poker. Don’t let this fool you, though. Most WSOP ME winners are actually very good at poker. So if you play the percentages, the vast majority of WSOP winners did not suck. However, most people who play in the WSOP, as we’ve witnessed, do suck at poker. We’ve seen a countless number of people donking off half their stack by doing things like calling big bets with pocket jacks on the flop, turn, and river with an ace and king showing on the board. Or pushing all in with a low pocket pair after someone raised three times the blind…even though it’s still only level one…and they still have 10k in chips.
Be good. This is sort of a sister tip to the above point. While not sucking is important, actually being pretty good at tournament play is just as important. Small things like playing position, stealing blinds, and picking on the medium stacks go a long way. Yeah, it seems basic, but in the heat of the moment, it can be forgotten. Asia even wrote a song about it. It was called “Heat of the Moment.” Except it wasn’t so much about poker as it was about relationships and growing older. But otherwise, it was the same thing.
Look like you’ve been there before. A few table-image tips help some general credibility for you right out the gate. Know some chip at least be able to riffle them. Wait until it’s your turn to look at cards. And don’t wear cheesy t-shirts that say “I’ve got the nuts” or Stud.” Actually, “One Card Stud” is pretty funny. Wear that one.
No yelling. This technically should be included in the above tip, but it’s so annoying and can cause actual physical harm, so it warranted a spot of its own. Listen, if you’re yelling in celebration after winning a hand, it’s usually because you sucked out. The guy you sucked out on probably wanted to punch you in the face pre-yell, so post-yell he’s doing everything in his power not to punch you in the face. Also, if you throw in a “That’s what I’m talkin’ about!” then you really are in danger of getting punched in the face. By us. That’s the worst.
Have fun. So underrated, yet so important. Poker is a fun game with a lot of camaraderie. Enjoy yourself out there. Don’t whine about bad beats or how your aces don’t ever hold up. Just kick back and enjoy yourself. You’ll play better if you’re having fun.
OTHER SURVIVAL TIPS DURING THE WSOP:
5 websites during the WSOP to keep you informed and entertained.
• WickedChopsPoker.com (we hear it’s the greatest) • TaoofPoker.com (Pauly’s rants and ramblings during the WSOP are poker’s best) • PokerListings.com (cleverly written live reports from Owen and gang) • Pokerati.com (sexiest bunch of poker writers south of Oklahoma) • Gambling911.com (Costigan’s harem of ridiculously hot journalists are always on top of the latest rumors, among other things)
5 must-read books during the WSOP, if you must read books.
• Read ‘em & Reap with Joe Navarro by Joe Navarro (scary good info on poker tells; actually don’t read this) • Aces and Kings by Michael Kaplan and Brad Reagan (the backstory on poker’s greatest players) • Ace on the River by Barry Greenstein (buy it now or knock him out of the Main Event and he’ll give it to you for free) • Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary (read this out loud at the table to throw off your opponents) • Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis (the defining book of life on Wall Street)
1 magazine to read during the WSOP:
• Bluff Magazine
