1. Focus on the game: Remain completely focused on the action at your table, even when you are not in the hand, and while you're focusing, develop a personal method to periodically refocus your attention on the game. It is too easy to become just distracted while not even realizing it!
2. Don't be stupid: We all can make mistakes, but stupid mistakes are the worst! Remember, players who make stupid mistakes are not called "donkeys" for nothing. It usually happens because they do something exceptionally stupid, and draw attention to themselves in the process.
3. Don't blindly protect a blind: Until you get to the antes it cost absolutely nothing to fold, even after you posted a blind. Once those blinds go in the pot, they're not really yours anymore anyway, are they? So guard your chips and risk them like your life depends on the outcome. Adjust from this posture only when you see an opening to exploit someone who is regularly trying to steal the blind you put in.
4. Raise: Unless you are limping in with small or middle sized pocket pairs, don't just call, raise! The other exception would be when you are trying to trap an overly aggressive player who has demonstrated vulnerability. A standard raise is approximately three times the big blind.
5. No chasing: Don't chase small- or mid-pairs. Once you flop it, bet it! If you miss, get out without risking additional chips.
6. Bluff: But only on rare occasions... and have outs when you do.
7. Continuously study: Scrutinize your opponents for tells, weaknesses, or vulnerabilities.
8. Be Prepared: Yes, it's the Boy Scouts' motto, but come to the tournament emotionally and physically prepared to play the whole thing, and to play your best from start to finish! If you are not willing or able to do this, don't waste the entry fee and buy-in!
9. Change gears reasonably often: Good players are good because they can figure you out pretty quickly if you don't change up once in awhile!
10. Avoid playing against the Big Stacks at your table: Instead, single out and isolate the small stacks. Remember ... A big stack can take you out or even devastate your remaining stack simply by making a bet that's too large for you to call. A short stack probably got that way usually because he is not playing all that well to begin with! Be like water at the table-Take the path of least resistance.
11. Enjoy yourself: Its poker! No explanation required!
