Poker Log Entry for A_Sprowl

1st Live Tournament...
 
Take your time.. don't feel rushed to make a decision, think it out.
 
Avoid all distractive gear, that is, no headphones (cant hear) no sunglasses (cant see) no hat (blocks view).  For me, tight pants (wallet and shit annoys me when sitting so long).
 
Pay close attention to body language of players.  Once you learn this you can master the game.  Now, when I sit at a table after just one round of the blinds I can distinguise a player's style based off of how he/she handles chips, holds his cards, bets, folds, wins a pot, stacks chips, talks(confortably or quiet/shy) etc.. this will take time but if valuable information.
 
Good luck and enjoy.

So I tend to agree big time with jfrost on the sunglass gig, I have just never understood it..... Anyway as far as the ipod thing I have one that I use occasionally if there is a few loud mouths that are annoying but in general I think that you should not use it, and for sure not if this is yoru first time in a game. You want to be able to focus on the table and watch and listen to everything around you, you can gain alot of info about who you are playing with.
 
As far as what not to do, here are some of my pet peeves.
1. Don't slow roll if you know you have a guy beat just show your hand.
2. Don't ever show your cards unless you have to. (Unless you are trying to create a certain image, but being your first time live you may not be there yet)
3. Don't ask to see another players cards (some houses allow you to that and it is shitty)
 
Where what you feel comfortable wearing for long periods of time. I usually where jeans and a sweatshirt, you can get cold sitting for long periods of time. As far as limits play what you and your bankroll are comfortable with don't try and play a bigger game than you are used to and last but not least, HAVE FUN..... GOOD LUCK
 
I know that I am rambling at this point but being a girl thats what we do best right?.......

For my two cents, don't be one of those sunglasses people.  Those of us who work in the poker world DO tend to make fun of those who "dress like on tv". 
 
There are incredibly few people that can tell enough from your eyes that sun glasses will be needed.  In fact the three people that were involved in chopping up the tournament I played in today were all sun glasses free. 
 
Some have mentioned either wearing hats or headphones (iPod or something of the like) and I almost always wear a hat when I'm not working so that won't become "poker attire" for me, it's just normal. 
 
As for headphones, I like to bring my iPod with me as there are a few people out there that I like to "tune out".  Either they are too cocky or think they can teach everyone something or just plain talk too much.  Nothing better for that than music or some good noise cancelling headphones on their own.  Sony makes some really good, nicely priced ones.  Better than Bose if you ask me and cheaper. 
 
Otherwise I think the best advice overall is think of this as entertainment.  This money is meant to be lost.  Not that you should ever think you CAN'T win, but no matter what you won't always.  And if you can look at the money as not being important (i.e. money is for entertainment, not bills) you won't be as afraid to make tougher calls or tough moves if they are warranted. 
 
Now I've rambled a ton so hopefully you gain at least a little from my babble ;)
 
Have fun.

If you are planning on playing a live game there before the tournament, I would suggest finding out the phone number (sorry I don't have it anymore) and calling ahead of time to get on the wait list...last time I was there I waited 2 hours to play, and blew all my cash at the roulette table before they called my name.  I am not sure about the tournaments, but the cash games are very loose and the standard raise at the 1-2 tables is closer to 12-14 dollars with 5 people seeing the flop instead of a 3x the BB like you generally see online.  Just stay patient but push your big hands because they won't fold either way.  Good Luck!

New to the game myself and new to turnaments, only played 3 total in my whole life. Today I won. I think the best advise is to play your game. Enjoy the atmosphere. I wear a dress vest when I play. Just a signiture I came up with. I guess I am saying I really do not have advice how to play other then I like to play tight and aggresive. That I am told is winning poker. It's a different kind of feel then playing on line. Enjoy the conversation. Pay attention to everything not just when your in the hand. Chalk up the first game as "getting your feet wet" if you need to. The next time try to set a goal and take it a little farther. For me my first time I practicely folded to the felt. The second time I said to myself if I win a few hands in this one I would consider it a good game. I made it to the break in that one. The third one I said to myself "You know it's not beyond your ability to win this" and I did.
Good skill and may the poker gods smile on you!