Playing my first WSOP event - the main event - in July... been playing in tournaments and casino games for several years now, but never WSOP. I am finding that the closer I get to the big day, the more I am freaking myself out - all nerves!

In order to practice I've been playing in more tournaments - about one every other week in a variety of locations - and find myself playing (finishing) worse and worse by the week. It's starting to get to me.

Anyone been in these shoes have any advice? Perhaps a few shots of whiskey before I sit down?

Day 1 is like a deep stacked cash game. Sit back, take it in, and don't get too crazy. It doesn't matter if you're chip leader or have your starting stack after day one, it's all about survival in the main event early. Your worse amd worse finishes are likely because you are trying to force the action in unnecessary spots. Just play poker and let the hands come to you and you'll be fine. I'll be playing day 1b or 1c, mot sure which one yet. Hopefully we meet up way way down the line, like on day six or seven
PS- practice tourneys are great but are nothing like the main event. It's the best structured tourney around. Practice your cash game play at 100-200 big blinds deep as that's what the first few days are of you steadily accumulate chips.

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Good post man. And good advice about just taking it easy at first and letting the cards come to you. Way too often I find myself bluffing some random player within the first orbit and then kick myself when I get called down and lose.

Good luck in the ME!! I'll be playing some of ~$200 daily deepstacks at the rio during the series

First off congrats on playing in your first WSOP and the Main Event. Second, welcome to the site from a fellow Clevelander.

On your main question. Settle down and think about playing smart aggressive poker. Do whatever it takes to get yourself into that mindset. Remember, the Main Event is poker's grand showcase, so there are a whole bunch of idiots who want to play in that event and therefore a ton of really bad players in the field. So, go into the event with the mindset that you belong there and you can win the thing, then play your best and enjoy the experience.

Dave

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Great advice Benton!! My advice is just be patient as there is tons of room to play you can really wait for really good spots to chip up. Stay out of marginal spots and you will be fine. GLGL

Take it easy on your first day. You can nearly fold your way into day 2. I agree with the other posters comments. This is a loooonnnngggg tournament, with each level at two hours. I played very tight (for me) the last time I was in the ME (2010) and made it to day 4. Good luck.