Preparing for the Grind

Players in the World Series of Poker (WSOP), World Poker Tour (WPT) events, and online tournaments have to contend with the dreaded “grind.” What is the grind, you ask? It involves sitting for hours on end in the same position, hopelessly folding cards with no end in sight. Players in ring games also know this feeling all too well and it’s one of the most difficult aspects of live poker to master. So how do you overcome the grind? What can make your stay at the tables more pleasant? Holdem Bonuses has your solution.

First, go out to Best Buy, Wal-Mart, or your local electronics store and purchase an iPod. Yes, I know these aren’t the cheapest items available, but they are well worth the expense. This is going to sound like a commercial for Apple, but an iPod is one of the most versatile items money can buy. You can download music, movies, television shows, and podcasts and then play them to your heart’s content. Missed the season finales of “Lost” or “Celebrity Apprentice?” What did Mike Wilbon say on Tuesday’s edition of “Pardon the Interruption?” If you missed any of your favorite shows, your 16 hour day during the WSOP Main Event is a prime opportunity to catch up. You should be paying attention to your opponents, but if you catch yourself daydreaming, an iPod can provide an excellent diversion.

Second, maintain your traditional routine. If that means going to the gym every morning before playing tournaments online, find a gym or run around the block before taking to the live felts. If your tradition is to sleep in until 30 minutes before a tournament starts, then continue to do so in Las Vegas, Aruba, London, or wherever your travels may take you. Preparing for the grind is all about making yourself comfortable. Continue all of your routines, even while on the road.

Third, eat healthy. This is going to sound like something your mom might tell you, but watch what you eat. Consuming a massive meal of tacos the night before a big tournament, for example, may not be the smartest idea you could have. Think of yourself as a long-distance runner. They chow down on pasta and carbohydrates the night before a big race to ensure they have enough energy to survive a multi-hour affair. Similarly, you’ll be on tap for an all-day grind, so eat healthy. During breaks, grab a meal and eat as you normally would. In addition, nosh on some small snacks.

Fourth, leave the outside world outside. If your girlfriend just broke up with you, your dad is sick, or you just steamed off a few thousand dollars in an online poker session at Full Tilt Poker, Absolute Poker any other poker room, you’re liable to be in an unstable mindset to play cards. Concentrating on your opponents’ actions, deducing what the proper move to make is, and navigating through a massive multi-table tournament field requires 100% focus. When you sit down at the table, check your emotions and anything happening in the real world at the door. This is your time to shine in poker.

Fifth, scope out the tournament area early. Fly into the city the day before if you travel and give yourself plenty of time to get acquainted with the event’s location. If you’re able to register early, go ahead and do so. If you can find out your seating location before the “Shuffle up and deal” command is issued, make sure to do some fact-finding in advance. Always pre-register for a tournament if it’s allowed to ensure that your spot is secured. This is especially important in lower buy-in tournaments or those requiring a plane ride or long travel day.

We wish you the best of luck at your next major live tournament.