I really hate asking for advice......

[Guest]

......but I ask it here because our forum regulars here have lots and lots of poker smarts and I am a newbie by comparison.....so please please help!I've never played in a live tournament before. Played tons online with moderate success. Decent in ring games, won a few tournaments (lost even more than my fair share of course). Our local radio station here is holding their own No-Limit Hold'em tournament this Saturday. Tons of people enter and 30 are chosen at random to actually play in the tournament. And of course I got chosen! (which I really needed; the month of February thus far has been the worst month of my entire life) So I go to play tomorrow at 5:30PM. 10,000 in chips to start. God I wish this were a Omaha Hi-Lo tourney; I wouldnt be so nervous. The oh so helpful lady who called me to tell me I was in had no idea what the blind structure was (in fact had no idea a blind structure was AT ALL; making me truly fear whatever ghetto setup they choose. I'll find out when I get there). My question to you forum folks....Any advice at all for this? To be honest, I'm nervous as hell. I picture me sitting awake tonight, riffling chips and not being able to sleep. I really want to do well. Any ideas on how to take the edge off? I'd like to think I am a decent, knowledgable player, but having never played in a live tourney before I don't know what to think; what to expect. I'm thinking of taking my IPOD along; I'm thinking something soft like prehaps Elliott Smith will take the edge off. Helps online. Sunglasses maybe? I honestly don't even know what questions to ask!So, I guess I'll just make it general. Any insight folks? Your help and consideration is appreciated! (feel free to flame too; I read the forum alot though I don't actually post. Flaming is cute and makes me laugh)

[fryer98 30]

One thing to think about. I am going to guess that the level of play of these people is going to be ALL over the board. If there wasn't anything to do to get picked for this, except sign up, then I would say that a lot of people with less experience playing than you are going to be there. Present yourself as confident and don't let them know that you don't have much large tourney experience. That'll put a little imtimidation into them, or at least some of them.That's my 2 cents.(BTW, I was in Martinsburg a few times. Built a new surgery center down there last year. Is there ANYTHING to do there?? haha)

[mx957 0]

FIrst the talent level will vary greatly. Some people won't even know how/when to bet or even why. Tighten up at first get a feel for the players and then just play tight ABC poker till you get close to the end.I would say it's very similar to those $5.00 MTT tourney online.Most of all enjoy yourself. You sound like you are so wound up about this that you'll be afraid of making a mistake and then you'll end up making one anyway. Just relax, play smart and as we've heard other's around here say...just don't do anything stupid, let eveyone else take care of that for you.

[Guest]

(BTW, I was in Martinsburg a few times. Built a new surgery center down there last year. Is there ANYTHING to do there?? haha)

Ha! Someone who isn't from here who has heard of this place? Wow! That's impressive. You helped build the new surgery place? Nice. In answer to your question:How many days were you here? We have the largest number of strip clubs per capita. I can't imagine any other place having as many of those as we do. Seriously. It's ridiculous. Other than that......We have a movie theater?

[UglyJimStudly 0]

Any advice at all for this? To be honest, I'm nervous as hell. I picture me sitting awake tonight, riffling chips and not being able to sleep.

Advice: don't be nervous. From the low number of spots and the fact that a radio station is sponsoring (are they broadcasting live from the tournament?), I'd guess that the blinds are going to be set up so it's over fairly quickly - maybe two hours. That means that the winner is going to be the best player who catches cards, and only half of that is under your control. So don't sweat it if the cards aren't there for you - just play your game, have fun, and see if you can score some free swag.Assuming the blinds are hefty: take advantage of late position to steal blinds, play ultra-conservative in early position. If you catch a good hand early, look for a chance to double up (and unless it's AA, don't get too worked up if somebody caught a better hand). Try and identify weak players quickly, those are the ones you want to be heads-up against. And again, if it happens you never see a better hand than J4o - entirely possible in a short tournament - then just chalk it up as a fun afternoon. And make sure you get as many free t-shirts, coffee cups, and so on as the radio station is willing to give away.

[fryer98 30]

(BTW, I was in Martinsburg a few times. Built a new surgery center down there last year. Is there ANYTHING to do there?? haha)

Ha! Someone who isn't from here who has heard of this place? Wow! That's impressive. You helped build the new surgery place? Nice. In answer to your question:How many days were you here? We have the largest number of strip clubs per capita. I can't imagine any other place having as many of those as we do. Seriously. It's ridiculous. Other than that......We have a movie theater?

I was only there a couple of times, and never overnight. I was the project engineer on the job, so didn't actually "build" it. Our superintendent said the only thing he did there was go to strip clubs and drink, so funny you said that.

[Markmadness 0]

Hey man don't sweat the nerves. I get nervous before even a home game. Just when you get there. Sit out a few hands and watch the people play. Unless you get a monster hand then obviously play. Try to to play tight, if your not sure let your ego go aside and save money and wait till you are sure. Play tight early on and learn each players betting habits at the table. This will calm yourself down. Dont be afraid to bet the pot even if you miss. That is if you raised preflop. Good luck

[JaysonWeber 0]

Play very tight in this... Playing premium hands, if you are unsure what these are... Google something like "Top 10 starting hands" Thats the best way for a beginner to play, Raise it up 5x BB with most of these hands... And do a little research tonight regarding position.Its also important to know when you are shortstacked.. when you are at 10X BBE.G. You have 2000 chips left with Blinds at 100-200, You're nearly shortstacked... at this point your going to need to push in on a wider selection of hands...If any of this is over your head keep asking away, I'll be here all night and im sure plenty of others will offer there services as well.

[Duff_Man 0]

Like everyone said just relax. This isn't costing you anything to play right? Playing a freeroll should be pretty stress free. Just play like everyone has mentioned and you'll do fine.Good luckDuff

[DCWildcat 0]

I'm thinking the talent level will be pretty low, lower than you for certain. Play confidently, and realize that some of these guys will see Axs and have an orgasm, regardless of what that x is. Play strong hands strongly, and don't worry about your kicker much. Tight, aggressive, would be my advice.

[fryer98 30]

ZEROSPACE: How did it go??