Hey guys,

I'm a long time micro cash game player who is mediocre online -unable to grind- and pretty good live -not much table time to tell though.

Lately I started to only play MTTs online and I seem to be on a nice heater (story here).

So, to cut a long story short I'll be entering my first real live tournament in less than 24 hours in Paris, The WSOP Circuit Starter event.

Any tips, advice, etc on what and what not to do when playing in a live tournament (as opposed to playing online small stake tournaments) is welcome.

Thanx in advance!

I'm so excited

1. tighten up your starting range-there will be very aggressive players there, who will be willing to three bet or three barrel with a wide range. if you play a wide starting range, you will get ground to pieces
2. Initially play ABC poker-your image will scream 'new guy' to the experienced players, so don't try anything fancy (unless you think you can be pretty subtle despite your newness).
3. Spot the local rec players and the regional\traveling pros. A lot of players come out, especially for the earlier events, without a ton of experience. then there are the pros (not the big name pros, but the guys who play every day, make a living off of poker, and follow the various circuits). Spot these guys, and stay out of their way.
4. Play the short stack aggressively-When you get below 10 big blinds, you have to widen your range way beyond a decent pair or a big ace. at 5 to 10 bb, you still have some fold equity, so aggressively attack unraised pots, even with mid range holdings like 89s or KTo. It won't always work, but it is better than blinding down to below 5 bb, then getting 4 callers when you finally get a decent ace.

This is advice on how to start. Eventually, if you last, you will have to start playing back at the better players without always having the nuts. Hopefully, by then, you will be a little more comfortable with the the rhythm of the game.

Go #2 first.

Is that live MTT advice, or just general life advice?

Life, for sure.

Make sure you get a good night's sleep and are refreshed when you start, because it's going to take a very long time if you go deep. Use your breaks wisely they help.

And as another poster said I would definitely start out playing very tight and loosen up as you get more comfortable. You'll be surprised how many chips you can pick up during the first levels just by playing basic poker and waiting for good hands.

You will be in a great position if you can win some chips while playing tight and getting a feel for your table. Eventually you will start to feel more natural and confident and your game will open up.... Remember, you can't win the tournament in those first few levels, but you sure can lose it!

Just play poker and remember you don't have to win every hand.

Pay attention to what the people at your table do and how they act. Don't wait to look at your cards and don't tank, no one likes that.

Be clear about what you choose to bet when you do so. So many times (and I did this too at one time) I'd see someone throw in a big chip meaning to raise. That's a call live.

Thank you all for your tips. I read them on my way to Paris, and I can say that they helped -although I didn't win the tourney, I had fun and learned a lot.

In return, I'm writing my trip report for Paris, France in the link below.
Thanx again for your help!

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/17...=#post51201068

You didn't win? Did you go #2 first?

Did you have fun?

Well sir, I did the #2 first but there was a queue in front.
And I sure did have fun
Especially in the part when I made a comeback at the cash tables

You made me appreciate that I live only an hour drive from a casino that hosts WPT, WSOP, and Poker Night in America events. Glad you had fun.