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WSOP veterans - Help!!, Risky Business, 20. Aug 2003 14:24
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What are some of the physical challenges that an unsuspecting rookie of the WSOP might look out for.

Should I sit on a board for 6 straight days, emulating the Binion's chairs? Should I try out a pillow and back support structure before getting there?

Sleep deprivation and tired eyes (visine) an issue? Food intake?

Interested in your responses.
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Re: WSOP veterans - Help!!, 4 POKER, 20. Aug 2003 15:25
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Risky,

Most casinos provide cushions for their poker rooms however, I didn't recall seeing any at Binion's. I'm sure they have them but just in case they don't, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring one of your own.......especially if you need that extra support. (The chairs at Binion's are not the best IMO).

Another great thing I find, is getting massages........ and during the WSOP, they provide massage therapists. Their fee is $1 a minute, but it's really worth it, especially if you're sitting all day with your neck getting all tense from a lack of movement and/or inactivity. After day 1 (providing you last through day 1, LOL)........get yourself a massage and relax your muscles. You can get one right in the poker room and for as long or as little as you like. Treat yourself!

Sleep deprivation: you'll have plenty of time in between day 1, day 2, etc. to get the ample sleep that you need......don't deprive yourself of sleep, even though it may be harder for you to relax when you'll be thinking about the event over and over! But that's why you get the massage.........to relax you!

Try to refrain from partying (alcohol etc.) during the big event, it'll really wear you out. (I'm not implying that you *do* drink, nor am I suggesting that you do)......I'm saying that IF you do, Party *after* you win the "big one", and buy a round for everyone! LOL!

Depending on how certain foods effect you.......I avoid foods that are too heavy just because they tire me more easily. That will be your choice, but drink plenty of water.

You also may want to bring a pair of sunglasses. Not to look "cool" or anything.......just to avoid any signs that your eyes sometimes give away. For some players, it keeps them more in "the zone"/focused.

Bring comfortable clothes.........and don't forget your lucky hat, shirt, jacket, etc.!


4P-

( This is coming from a poker veteran.......not a WSOP veteran.......just a poker vet)!

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Re: WSOP veterans - Help!!, JLenart, 21. Aug 2003 09:26
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Sorry if some of this is redundant, I wrote some of these things in a post above.

As an ultra endurance athlete (Ironman Triathlons and 24+ hour adventure races) sleep is something someone who is lookibngto perform at their best is in absolute need of. However; during the event and even the night before sleep may be hard to come by as nerves often play havoc with sleep paterns. Athletes have a saying "it's the night before the night before thats critical. So, if the Big event starts on Friday your most important night of sleep coming in is Wednesday night as thursday night nerves may keep you up. If your nerves do this on Thursday night just make sure you're lying down with your eyes closed and trying to relax.

Also you should pay close aatention to your nutrition. Staying well hydrated (water and gatorade) and eating a diet slightly higher in complex carbohydrates will go along way in keeping your head in the game.

Asw far as massage goes, getting one before the big one (Wednesday evening if the event starts on friday) then another friday and saturday will help.

Good luck, sere you in vegas,

John
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Re: WSOP veterans - Help!!, Mark Gregorich, 21. Aug 2003 09:19
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The WSOP is an exhausting experience, both mentally and physically. Arriving at the tournament in good physical condition is a big bonus, I think. Also, dealing with anything in your life which may distract you from the focus you'll need prior to arriving for the tournament is important.
Specifically, I would recommend that you bring some food with you. I like a lot of the food at the Horseshoe, especially the big greasy cheeseburgers at the snack bar, but most of it is devoid of much nutritional value. Pack a cooler with lots of good stuff and keep it handy in your room, where you can access it on breaks. The tournament is an endurance contest as much as anything.
Also, the air upstairs in the main tournament room is great now that smoking is no longer allowed. However, you have to stumble through a fog immediately outside the room on breaks, as everyone is in a hurry to light up just outside. On day 1, most of the players will be downstairs for awhile, where the ventilation is not so good. So, bring the necessary products if your eyes are susceptible to smoke (smoking isn't allowed at the tables, but you'll still feel the effects).
I have also found that taking walks outside alone during breaks is a good tool to clear my head and prepare for the next stage of the tournament. Unfortunately, I haven't found too many destinations downtown to actually walk to, but I prefer to get out for a few minutes on breaks.
One more thing - don't plan on getting too much sleep during the week of the WSOP! Things don't wrap up until fairly late (midnightish), and I'm usually so wired at that point that a couple hours of unwinding is necessary.
Good Luck! Mark
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