How to Prepare for the World Series of Poker Tournament

The World Series of Poker Tournament (WSOP) is a wildly exciting — and tense — time for poker players. Here are a few pointers to play your very best.

Planning Your Travel

For anyone who is relatively near Las Vegas, driving there might sound appealing. For example, on the drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, there are tons of fascinating sites to visit along the way, including the Seven Magic Mountains, Calico ghost town, and Bonny and Clyde’s death car. Not to mention, for this road trip, you can find amazing roadside diners that big wig names just can’t compare to.

Although these sites might be interesting, consider that driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is not for the faint of heart. Both cities have some of the worst traffic in the country, so if time is of the essence, it might be a good idea to rethink your mode of travel.

Many Californians opt for air travel to visit Las Vegas. It’s certainly quicker and about the same in price as driving, which is nice because it gives you more time to focus on the WSOP. The only thing is it’s important to play your cards right with airports, since they are chock-full of hidden fees, but by taking care of a few things ahead of time, it’s a breeze. Finding someone to drop you off to avoid paying for parking and making sure your carry-on bag meets the proper measurements are just a few ways to keep costs low.

Practice Makes Perfect

Naturally, anyone headed to the WSOP is going to practice beforehand. Many players say that despite the big names you might come across during the WSOP, the game is the same principle, just with unfamiliar faces. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to practice, whether with friends or online. Luckily for American players, poker in the US is easy to come by thanks to the various poker rooms available online today. Online poker sites give players the opportunity to challenge themselves with millions of different people’s playing styles, which helps them get the practice they need to be ready for the tournament.

Pack Right

Once you’ve arrived in the city of sin, it’s time to prepare your greatest weapon– your backpack. As many poker players know, backpacks are a must in the poker room because what you bring for those ten-hour or more stretches of matches will define your performance. Arming yourself with energy-rich foods, cash for tipping, and chargers will help you stay afloat as you duel with the greatest players in the world.

Celebrate After

As tempting as it may be to go out and party in Las Vegas, don’t get wrapped up in FOMO, or the “fear of missing out.” The city hosts unforgettable parties every night, so do your best to get a good night’s sleep and remain focused on the tournament until you finish. Afterwards, the city is yours for the taking.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to preparing for the WSOP, the key is to plan ahead and stay focused on your goals. Decide ahead of time whether you will drive or fly, and make sure you covered all your bases in terms of hidden fees. Practice your game on and offline to diversify your skill set and keep your mind sharp. Always bring a backpack full of everything you need to play your best, from brain foods to simple comforts. Finally, wait until you have completed the tournament to let loose.

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