Friendly tourney help???

**Trons** · 08-19-2005

I've noticed the last few times I've played in a friendly tourney, I'm not playing my best. I am getting distracted by the chit-chat and fun going on. I'm not making my raises PF like I do online (ie: 3-5xBB for raising hands). I'm not playing post flop as easily as I do online (basing bets on the pot).

I end up playing my ring game (abc poker) because I don't have to think about it. I can keep up with the conversations and do decently (last time I won 2 of 5 tourneys and walked away about even). I find that I give up my A game to "fit in". I don't want to look like I'm above everybody else because I can't talk because I'm concentrating.

I've only played in a few tourneys where this wasn't an issue...I know we all play to make money, and this game is fairly soft because they are all friends (I'm jst now trying to fit into the group). The last time I played, I knew I was screwing up, but I told myself that I need to take the long term view and I can rectify the situation later.

I really felt had I gone in there and played like I should have, it would be difficult to get invited back. I'm playing again tonite and was hoping somebody might have some advice for dealing with this....

**busturbubble1** · 08-19-2005

What is more important? having a good time or winning mooney??

ur chizioice

**icemanjmw13** · 08-19-2005

I actually don't usually have any problem chitchatting and also playing my game. It may depend on what kind of player you are though. I am fairly tight so I fold most of my hands, this allows me plenty of time to talk and joke. When I'm in a hand I pay attention, but that doesn't mean I still can't talk at the same time.

**PJ of TheGame** · 08-19-2005

If the stakes are high, then everyone is there to play for money. Play your best game... they'll respect ya for it.

If the stakes are low... then you're obviously playing for fun. I wouldn't put on sunglasses and stare people down when they bet into you. Relax a little bit... but remember that you should still play solid poker. Getting into bad habits would be a poor idea. They should still expect you to play your best anyway... it's the whole point, isn't it?

**Trons** · 08-19-2005

It's usually a 10+1 buy-in freeze-out. usually between 7-12 people. top 2 pay, but last 2 at the table usually just split it rather then play heads-up for the money. The extra money goes into a pot for an end of the year tourney in which the top 6 money winners through the year play a freeroll for the final pot. No idea how big that is right now, but figure at least $20/week going into it (on the low end).

**1MFirm** · 08-19-2005

if they are your usual poker buddies, you'll realise that everyone goes through a "I-can't-win-without-having-a-stone-cold-face" phase... we all think it helps our game when in reality it usually makes us overthink alot... if it suits you well, that's fine, but never the less you're opponents should take you seriously if you can play with the same face for 5$ as for 100$... that's the real challenge.

kind regards,
piper

**Trons** · 08-19-2005

I've never played with for $100

My problem isn't overthinking, it's not thinking at all

**slp** · 08-19-2005

when i play with my friends I don't bother trying to get reads on people or do any of that nonsense. just play abc poker and have fun doing it; if your friends are like mine you'll still win enough to be profitable.

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