catwoman

Everest Poker Survey Finds Poker Player's State of Mind Affects the Game More Than Previously Thought

Relationships, live TV, various social factors and even the day of the week can all affect how poker players perform on the felt, says a new survey from Everest Poker
Montreal, Quebec (PRWEB) March 16, 2009 -- Last year Everest Poker's European Event Coordinators spent six months observing the characteristics of each player's nationality during poker tournaments, to see if national characteristics are visible in the way countries play the game.
The research unearthed a mountain of evidence that proved king and country were indeed integral to a player's style, so to follow it up the Everest Poker team spent six months finding out if a player's state of mind affects their play in any significant way. The results, unsurprisingly, were conclusive.
when we have players who win a seat at a big event you can always tell you who is playing in their first big event and those who has been to one before. Similarly, personal life can also be a barometer of how a player gets on in tournaments One of our team players ended last year with three final tables in three months. He then split up with his girlfriend and early exits were as regular as final tables were just months beforehand! I have seen many players playing well, looking relaxed but when faced with the TV table they suddenly play far too tight. This is because they are aware every hand is being analyzed and they do not want to be considered fish! Another factor that can upset a player's rhythm is being on a table that gets 'broken up' - clever players will realize they are on an outside table and be aware this is probably one that will be broken up quickly and often waste little time assessing their opponents. Really clever players ask the tourney director which tables are to be broken up early! There is no doubt that I play better when I am rested and when I am happy in myself. When you see a player arrive to the table tired or obviously nervous you make sure you go on the attack from the start as you do not want to let them settle. Many first time players opt for Day1A with the more experienced players opting for the later start in order to get acclimatised and relaxed. However, as a result I know a number of good tournament players that target Day 1A because it is an easier ride. It's your call! Ed Pownall, the Everest Poker PR and Events European Manager, said "when we have players who win a seat at a big event you can always tell you who is playing in their first big event and those who has been to one before."
How? It's simply that first timers often fly in on the morning they are playing to avoid paying for an extra night in a hotel - even though costs are put in their Everest Poker account. At EPT London two of the qualifiers started the tournament this way and from the start mentioned being tired. They were both out within an hour of starting play.
"Similarly, personal life can also be a barometer of how a player gets on in tournaments," Pownall said. "One of our team players ended last year with three final tables in three months. He then split up with his girlfriend and early exits were as regular as final tables were just months beforehand!"
Mariken Hogenhout, the Everest Poker Dutch Event Coordinator, also observed several players completely changing their strategy when faced with a big name or the TV table: "I have seen many players playing well, looking relaxed but when faced with the TV table they suddenly play far too tight. This is because they are aware every hand is being analyzed and they do not want to be considered fish!"
She adds: "Another factor that can upset a player's rhythm is being on a table that gets 'broken up' - clever players will realize they are on an outside table and be aware this is probably one that will be broken up quickly and often waste little time assessing their opponents. Really clever players ask the tourney director which tables are to be broken up early!"
Team Everest player and multiple tournament winner, Maria Maceiras, explains: "There is no doubt that I play better when I am rested and when I am happy in myself. When you see a player arrive to the table tired or obviously nervous you make sure you go on the attack from the start as you do not want to let them settle."
Rocio van Nierop, PR and Events European Manager, also maintains that the choice of starting day for a tournament is important too. "Many first time players opt for Day1A with the more experienced players opting for the later start in order to get acclimatised and relaxed. However, as a result I know a number of good tournament players that target Day 1A because it is an easier ride. It's your call!"

Dyno_Don

Thank you catwoman.

I got to this one a bit late, but there is some good information here.

If you plan on going into a live tournament for the first time, get plenty of rest the day before.
Spend a few extra dollars to get their the day before so you can be ready for the tourney when it starts, and not be too tired.

Check the tourney table changing times, so if you happen to make it that far you will be ready for the change and not feel picked on. Plus when you go to another table, just play the way you normally would and don't let other players try to bully you out of your blinds/bets.

The most important thing about playing in a live tourney, relax and have some fun. That's what poker is all about.