[taylormaas]

Here’s another forum post going after a very similar situation (https://rec.poker/forums/discussion/blowout-package-winner/). A lot of good advice there. Here’s what I wrote in that post:

Awesome! So cool to win these giveaways and have the shot to play higher stakes than we usually play.

Usually the way I approach these, is just give it your all. You have a risk-free opportunity to play some high-level poker. A couple things to point out as it relates to these tourneys: First, cashing is insanely important. If you make a semi-deep run, put all you focus on cashing. It makes sense in a higher buy-in than you are used to, but also makes sense in large field tourneys. What most people don’t realize in these vary large field MTTs, is cashing is way more important than usual. So go for the cash. Second, players will be playing more aggressive than usual. It doesn’t mean you have to fight back every time, but you need to fight back some times. And last, players will still be weak in these tourneys, try and identify where you think players are making mistakes and try to play hands with them.

For studying — if you plan on spending extra time on things, focus on what you will be doing the most. Get those opening ranges set and ready to go for deep stack poker, and be ready for longer play than you are used to. Take some time every break and say, “I have plenty of time left, no need to rush”.

Good luck. Have fun!

Blowout Package Winner

[misclickdonkey]

I agree with Taylor. You’ve got a shot here. But you should just play to the best of your ability and have fun playing at a higher level than normal. You’ll see some wizzards and some donkey’s. Just play your game and you’ll be just fine. As far as study goes. I would just keep working on whatever your currently working on. I wouldnt really worry about trying to cram things in that youre not currently working on. Because the reality of it is you probably won’t remember most of it anyways. If your able to navigate a free roll id assume your doing something right. Theyre usually mine fields! GOOD LUCK!!

[tvstensby]

Focus on plugging leaks rather trying to learn something new. Think about the spots you are most uncomfortable in or often loose big pots in and try to avoid these.

You are likely to meet aggressive opponents so before making your own actions you should be thinking: “What do I do when my opponent makes a raise?”. If you do not know what you will be doing you can consider a more passive line.

Aggressive play wins, so you should be betting in unopened pots unless you are out of position or the board heavily favors your opponent.

Remember that you do not need to win every pot. Preserving chips by folding to a raise/3-bet is ok.

If you do want to do some studying/cramming before the event I suggest you look at the study material from the book study of “The Game Plan”. The book is in many ways aimed at recreational players playing above their level. It advocates a rather tight and sticky style of play. I.e. a narrow/strong range preflop, that is “easy” to defend later in the hand.

Rob made slides summarizing each session that can be found here: https://rec.poker/groups/book-study/forum/discussion/game-plan-pdfs-and-other-documents/

The videos can be found in the book studies section of the content archive. Dates June 25, 2020 to October 29, 2020.

[jim]

wow what a great response by @tvstensby – so much good info here, thanks TV! Hope to see you again soon in a strategy discussion but I know the time zones make it tough for you to join. Keep it up, amigo!

[zach-clarke]

Thanks all for the great advice. I just started reading The Game Plan. My leaks were many according to leak tracker but I have made many improvements and most areas have come into a decent range. My ego seems to be my worst enemy to date. As for navigating the freeroll, I got bailed out at least once but I’m happy with my performance.

P.S. These cheat sheets are awesome.

[zach-clarke]

So I didnt make it very far as expected. Lost a big pot with trip queens into trip kings, and I was acting before a wallet warrior on tilt. Im happy with some of my plays and I even called the pocket kings but put in more money anyway :/. Was a good free buy in learning experience that I have recorded for reviewing if anyone is interested.

[rabman50]

It would be great if you could post some of your key hands. Especially hands where you weren’t sure what action to take. I will often tag hands that I’m not sure about so that I can review them later. Great way to become more comfortable in difficult spots.

[eanderson85]

If you are interested in learning how to range people, I recommend “66 days of hand reading” by SmartPokerStudy on YouTube. I watch one every time I have lunch in my office.