The countdown to the 2024 World Series of Poker is on. Each day until the start of the series on May 28, we'll bring you tips and insider info from some of the biggest names in the game.
Alex Fitzgerald is a best-selling author and head coach at Poker Headrush. D&B Publishing will release his latest book, How To Beat Players Who Never Fold: Succeeding In Casino Poker Tournaments And Low Stakes Home Games, this summer. You can follow Alex on X.
How should players prepare for the daily grind of the WSOP?
Ask yourself what poker situations frustrate you the most and study those spots relentlessly. Get a training pack, a private lesson, or access to some software. Whatever works for you. But don't let your weak points become a liability at the WSOP.
Try to get into a rhythm with your diet, sleep, and exercise before you get to the series. That will help you build endurance for the long sessions.
What event are you most looking forward to playing?
The Main Event is always my favorite event at the WSOP. I got to cash last year, and it left me wanting more. I love playing for that much money. I love how long the levels are. As long as you are patient, you can always give yourself a chance to go deep.
What advice would you give to help players go deep in these huge fields?
If you want to go deep in the large field events, then you need to take things one hand at a time.The next hand is always the most important hand. You can't do anything about the last hand. Learn from it and move on.
Don't look around the room. Don't compare yourself to other stacks. They can only put you on one table. They can only have you play against eight other players. At some point, you will suffer a bad beat or you will make a bad play. Prepare for it. Don't let it end your tournament. Take the gut punch and keep moving forward.
What is the biggest event you will play?
The Main Event will be my biggest event. Otherwise, I love the soft fields that you find in the smaller WSOP buy-ins.
Check out the full schedule for the 2024 WSOP and plan which events you're going to target this summer. If you're looking at the lower end of the buy-ins, check out The Rec's guide to the WSOP. If you're looking for action with a bigger budget, follow what Jennifer Tilly is doing.
Feature image courtesy of WPT
