Learning how to play tournament poker is an ambitious endeavor for which only a select number are adequately equipped. Some of the traits associated to the strongest of tournament players are fearlessness, mathematic astuteness, composure and an uncanny ability to deadpan and be void of all emotion. But how do the best of the best achieve this level of skill and self-restraint?

In the pursuit of improving your tournament poker skills, one is likely to find themselves working harder than ever before and employing methods they would have never conceived of previously. The good news is that the below suggestions do not involve anything that will make you feel ridiculous or put you at risk of bodily harm. What’s the bad news? For some individuals learning how to ride a unicycle while juggling flaming torches will prove easier than learning how to play tournament poker.

Tip #1 – Play the man not the cards:

If you’re thinking: “It’s a quote from Rounders, it must be right,” then you are absolutely correct. Although you can’t always predict if your hand is a winner or a loser, paying attention to the other people at the table (be they man or woman) is your best bet at success. It will help you decide when to fold a seemingly strong hand and when to stick with a weaker hand and go for a walk down Bluff Avenue.

Tip #2 – Get people to buy shares

What? You thought this was all going to be poker strategy? Look, if you’re playing in your friend’s basement on a Friday night your buy-in is a six-pack and some Doritos. But if you’re getting into poker tournaments then you’re going to have to pay – just ask WSOP runner-up Jay Farber. Buy-ins will vary but if you can find someone who has faith in your abilities (or your mom still loves you) they may cover some cost in exchange for a cut of any winnings.

Tip #3 – Find Enlightenment

Maybe “enlightenment” is an exaggeration but then again Phil Hellmuth is a walking exaggeration (that was admittedly cheap but it felt right). It may be your lucky hoodie, a baseball cap, sunglasses (if you’re a creeper), a favourite playlist or any number of things. What’s important is that you find something that helps you feel secure and in a good mental space, because the table won’t always help you feel that way.

Tip #4 – Be a Sportsman

This tip is meant for those still working on their level of composure. Here’s why? If you want to get all belligerent or antagonistic at the table it’s your call. But you best be prepared for it to come right back at you three-fold. Maybe you’re at a table where everyone will just ignore you and pray for your imminent demise. But maybe sitting at your table is someone ready for a showdown, capable of upping the ante.

Tip #5 – Every Hand is a Right Off

At the moment when a poker hand ends you may be filled with euphoria, disillusionment or indifference. Whatever the case, the best tip anyone can give on how to play tournament poker is to leave the last hand behind – the next one is a whole new battle. That’s easier said than done if you just swallowed a bad beat while holding a Full House (as per Jennifer Harman below) but that’s life. Stay out of your head and focus on the next mission…unless you’re out of money, in which case you’re dismissed.

Let us know in the comments if you found these helpful or if you have any tournament tips of your own.