As someone previously said in this post, 1st will definitively be more than that. There will still be a lot of fish in a $500, more than you would think. It's all about perfectly timed aggression. Oh and don't bluff the fish, you might feel overwhelmed to do so if you feel you are a way better player than them - that fact won't make them fold their hand. It's one of the biggest problems I see from online players transitioning to live or live players moving up the stakes, they believe aggression is the name of the game. It is, but with moderation.

I agree with this completely. Just play your game. Don't try to incorporate new concepts, rely on the game you already know and that has gotten you this far.

The other thing is, don't get overwhelmed by the the money or what is going on at other tables. Also, you can't control hands by other players at the table, hands you have already played, or future cards that come off the deck. Just focus on the current hand you have been dealt and playing it as well as you can (the only thing you have control over).

Good luck!

One piece of advice from my own personal experience -- I'm much more of a cash game player and was very surprised at the amount of time some of the other players took in making decisions (seemed like some of them were taking FOREVER, even in the early levels). This really tilted me I think it impacted my game. I guess what I am saying is - be ready to be patient.

can't agree with this more. try to enjoy yourself a little while you're at it too.

If you're a regular in tournaments at this location then the best advice is to just play your game. Maybe tighten up a bit until you have a feel for it but not too much. After all most of the players in this one will be the same folks you play with all the time.

One specific thing to read early though is whether the players at your table are over-adjusting and playing too tight. I have found that in the first 3/4 levels it's possible to take down a lot of small pots with few or no showdowns of players are overly tight, which you may not see in a daily $100 tourney.

Excellent advice, IMO. The psychological side of tournament play can be very challenging to a player that believes they play well. Also, to players that want to play perfectly and challenge themselves to do so. Poker, especially tournament poker, has a luck factor that must be understood and accepted else frustration will most likely set in and may cause one to panic.

Crush everyone that opposes you and believe in your skills!

Soooo, how did it go??

LoL

OP... you alive?

he won and is now in vegas!