State of mind in tournaments ‘very significant’: Fact

Last year Everest Poker’s European Event Coordinators spent 6 months observing the characteristics of each Nationality during poker tournaments, to see if National characteristics are visible in the way countries play the game.

This year the team from 10 different countries have spent the recent 6 months finding out if a players state of mind affects their play with some very convincing results.

Ed Pownall, PRE European Manager, states: “When we have players who win a seat at a big event you can always tell you who is playing in their first big event and those who has been to one before. Why? Simply that first timers often fly in on the morning they are playing to avoid paying for an extra night in a hotel – even though costs are put in their account. At EPT London two of our qualifiers started the tournament this way and from the start mentioned being tired, they were out within an hour.

“Similarly personal life can also be a barometer of how a player gets on in tournaments. One of our team players ended last year with three final tables in three months. He then split up with his girlfriend and early exits were as regular as final tables were just months beforehand!”

Mariken Hogenhout, Everest Poker Dutch Event Coordinator, also observed players completely change their strategy when faced with a big name or the TV table: “I have seen many players playing well, looking relaxed but when faced with the TV table they suddenly play far too tight. This is because they are aware every hand is being analysed and they do not want to be considered fish!”

She adds: “Another factor that can upset a player’s rhythm is being on a table that gets ‘broken up’ – clever players will realize they are on an outside table and be aware this is probably one that will be broken up quickly and often waste little time assessing their opponents. Really clever players ask the tourney director which tables are to be broken up early!”

As we saw from the Nationalities survey emotions have a big part to play in poker and the success of Scandinavian players in tournament play is undeniable which also reflects a traditionally calm temperament.

Team Everest player and multiple tournament winner, Maria Maceiras, (list highlights), explains: “There is no doubt that I play better when I am rested and when I am happy in myself. When you see a player arrive to the table tired or obviously nervous you make sure you go on the attack from the start as you do not want to let them settle.”

Rocio van Nierop, PRE European Manager, also maintains that the choice of starting day for a tournament is important too: “Many first time players opt for Day1A with the more experienced players opting for the later start in order to get acclimatised and relaxed. However, as a result I know a number of good tournament players that target Day 1A because it is an easier ride. Its your call!”