Top 10 tips for preparing for WSOP in 2019

In a few weeks, the Las Vegas resort will be swamped with people coming from all around the globe looking for big wins and the glory that comes with winning coveted WSOP bracelets. (photo by Flickr)
With a bit of time still to go, we’ve decided to bring you a quick guide with 10 tips to help you prepare for WSOP 2019. Some of these tips can help you have a better general experience while staying in Vegas, and others provide some guidance on planning your bankroll for maximum efficiency.
10. Plan accommodations ahead of time
During the World Series, it can be difficult to find somewhere to stay in Las Vegas – and the longer you wait, the pricier it gets. So if you’re planning to be there this summer, you should arrange for accommodations as soon as possible. Not only will it save you money, but you might be able to find a hotel or a private accommodation closer to the action.
9. Find other players to split the costs
If you’re primarily going to Las Vegas to play in WSOP 2019 events, you should cut down on other expenses to keep as much money as possible in your bankroll (unless you’re flush with cash and this isn’t a consideration). A good way to do this is by finding other players who’ll also be there in the same period and splitting the costs by renting a house together.
8. Plan for the tournaments you want to play in advance
Every year, the Series features several dozen tournaments, and you’ll be doing yourself a service if you do some advance planning to figure out what tournaments you want to play. This will help you create your playing budget. In addition, make sure you plan so there are as few overlaps as possible and you don’t miss out on any good value tournaments by accident.
7. Make sure you’re planning for events featuring games you know
Although it may sound funny, you wouldn’t be the first player to register for an event featuring a poker variation they don’t even know the rules of. When going through the schedule, always check and double-check what game is being played. The last thing you want is to spend a few grand entering a tournament where you’ll be playing a game you know nothing about – although it has occasionally worked out for some people.
6. Register online when possible
WSOP 2019 offers online registration for some smaller buy-in tournaments, where you can pay with your credit card and ensure your place in the event. You should definitely take advantage of this option if at all possible, as it will save you a lot of time. The registration lines at the cashiers can be brutal, and you’d rather spend your day doing anything else.
5. Try to Play in the Big 50
Since WSOP 2019 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Series, there is a special event called the Big 50, featuring a $500 buy-in, all of which goes towards the prize pool (i.e., there's no rake). Although it is bound to have a huge field due to the $5,000,000 guarantee, from a pure value and poker strategy perspective, this event is a must-play.
4. Brush up on your poker skills
If you aren’t a professional player and don’t play poker every day, you should probably brush up on your play before you leave. Watch some videos or read some articles to figure out some strategy adjustments you could implement into your game-plan. For WSOP 2019, the officials have announced even better tournament structures, so the importance of skill over luck should be even greater than in the previous years.

You should structure your WSOP 2019 bankroll in a way that allows you to play as many tournaments as possible. (photo by Wikimedia Commons)
You should structure your WSOP 2019 bankroll in a way that allows you to play as many tournaments as possible. Depending on how much cash you have available, try to go down the lower variance route and maximize your chances instead of putting it all on the line in just one or two events. For example, if you only have $10,000, you’ll have much better chances playing in several smaller buy-in events than if you just put it all in to enter the Main Event.
2. Have fun, but stay focused
Las Vegas is a crazy city, and there's something happening around the clock – especially at night, when you’re supposed to be resting so you can come back to the tables the next day fresh. Of course, if you’ve never been to Vegas, you’ll want to do more than just play poker and go back to your room, but try not to overdo it to the point where it influences your decisions.
If you fail to understand how to play poker against different opponents or make other vital adjustments because you were out partying the night before, you will surely see the results in your pockets. Or the lack of results, to be precise.
1. Make most out of your big opportunities
Winning poker tournaments is as much about the final table play as it is about everything leading up to that moment. If you do manage to make it all the way to a final table in one of your tournaments, you’ll really need to bring your A game.
While luck will still play a great part in a single event, every decision you make in this situation can be of great significance and have serious implications. Even if you aren’t that experienced of a player, make sure to take your time with every important decision and don’t rush it. Chances to win a bracelet don’t come knocking every day, so if you find yourself in this spot, take all the time you need. You’ve earned at least that much!