Does Size Really Matter?
Jan Fisher
The age old question has always been “does size really matter?” Well, I guess in some things it does, certainly the NBA comes to mind! But does the size of a poker tournament really matter?
Are the biggest events that much different than the smaller ones? If a poker tournament is run properly and you are given value for your entry fee, wouldn’t the small events be a great way to learn to become a better player and continue to hone your skills and keep fresh between the big games? Nothing could be truer, in my opinion, and I applaud those pros who choose to play both the $10,000 events and also the smaller $100ish entry tournaments. It has been my experience that top players who play both monstrous buy-ins as well as the weekly local events keep their edge and their stamina.
Case in point is the recently concluded Oasis Open, which I host semi-annually in Mesquite, Nevada. An hour drive from Las Vegas, this past Labor Day’s event was graced by the likes of Tom McEvoy (WSOP main event champ in 1983, author, lecturer, and poker mentor), Mike Sexton, (not only multiple WSOP winner and WPT commentator, poker ambassador, but avid prop bet enthusiast), and Linda Johnson, the First Lady of Poker and recent competitor in the WPT Ladies Night as well as 1997 WSOP razz bracelet winner.
In past years, Russ Hamilton (WSOP champ for the Silver Anniversary), Susie Isaacs (two-time WSOP Ladies champ), Barry Tanenbaum (respected poker author), Robert Williamson III, Kenna James, Marsha Waggoner and many other very notable players have graced our doors. Why would these proficient, expert players play in a small event in a town so far removed from civilization? In addition to being friends of mine, they’ve found that it is a great opportunity to stay fresh and try new plays.
There are all sorts of “moves” in poker and you never know how a particular one will work for you. Playing in tournaments with buy-ins smaller is a good way to try to mix things up and try out new plays for your poker arsenal. The game has changed so much in the last five years with the growth of poker, particularly no-limit hold’em, that new styles have been developed that are even giving the most seasoned pros fits! Oftentimes, it is comical to watch a novice player do something so out of the ordinary at the table that the opposing pro just can’t get a read or figure it out.
I have occasionally heard comments that these “big name players” who frequent the smaller buy-in events must be busted and looking to get back into action. In most cases, nothing could be farther from the truth. The reason these players are as successful as they are is that they constantly practice and hone their skills! That is what keeps their play at the expert level. Staying mentally focused whether playing for millions of dollars or several thousand takes the same stamina, concentration, and practice. Do you think that Tiger just goes out and plays the big major events without practicing on a regular basis? Of course not! The best of the best recognize that they will learn something every time they play.
If you are a lower-limit player, when you see some of these “name” players enter your event, try to watch, study, and learn from them. It is amazing how much you can learn from other players… especially from this esteemed list! The most successful players whom I’ve had the pleasure to get to know are fearless, have the skills, and don’t let their egos get involved in their decision processes when playing poker. These are all wonderful attributes we should strive to duplicate. Whether you are stepping down or up in limits, be sure you always step with your best foot forward.
Moving right along…
Filed under: Poker News