April 27, 2010
Poker Plans
If you’re going to travel to play some poker, best to be prepared. It’s pretty self-explanatory, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t think about the little things that make a big difference in the poker experience. I’m an online player mostly, which means I can usually sit around in my underwear or pajamas, boot up the ole computer, and start to play, no prep time necessary except for pouring the milk into the bowl of my cheerios.
But on the road it’s a different story. Pajamas may cut it, but at the very least you probably won’t be rolling out of bed and sitting in front of a screen in a bathrobe and your undergarments. So first, make a plan. Whether it’s tournaments, some local cash games, or a set of events, make sure you’ve allotted time to be able to play each and that you’re not rushed from one event to the other. In other words, don’t overschedule your poker online trips. If worse comes to worse, there’s almost always a side game to get into that’s strictly cash. Also don’t dedicate the whole day to poker. As a human being, you need some variety in your tasks. The whole day in the poker room will not only make you miss out on life outside the game, it can lead you to start playing badly. Taking a break to visit the local community may give your mind the break it needs to perform at the top of its game when you resume your session on the felt.
Amenities. It’s not just the hotel that offers it. If you’re used to listening to music when you play poker, Better load up that mp3 player with your music and be sure you have it charged. I’ve found that the more you can recreate your normal playing environment, the better you’ll fare even on your poker road trips. I personally like energy drinks, so I make sure to buy a couple cases of them before I head out. You never know if where you’re going is going to have your preference readily available, and even if they do, not all stores are 24 hour convenience stores.
Finally, dress to impress…yourself. Let’s face it, if you’re on a poker trip, you’re not going to try to find the love of your life. Sure you might find someone who you share interests with, but there’s no need to try to be something you’re not. If you’re not a suit and tie kind of person, no need to bring the suit and tie to look professional at the table. I’ll take my sweatpants and comfy hoodie over a 3 piece suit on the felt any day of the week.
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