How the professionals win live poker tournaments

So you've taken the plunge and entered a live poker tournament.  How do you even begin to compete against all those seasoned professionals?  The trick is to do what the professionals do, and these five tips will show you how.

Tricks to win a live poker tournament

1. Stay Sober
Poker and alcohol go together like, well, cards and beer - but if you want to win live poker tournaments, never, ever, ever get drunk.  Or even tipsy.  Professional players know that even a moderate amount of alcohol seriously affects your ability to play, so do likewise and stick to water, soda or coffee.
2. Make Yourself Comfortable
You can't play poker if your butt is numb or your back is aching.  So make sure you're able to sit comfortably in your seat.  Take a cushion if you have to.  Not only will this help you to concentrate, it will help you to keep still - shifting and fidgeting are classic bluffing tells.
3. Use The Break Wisely
Following on from the last point, this means taking time to relax and to attend to your physical comfort.  Go to the bathroom and take a little walk.  This is far more important than standing in line at the bar or swapping war stories with the other players.
4. Position Yourself Correctly
In live poker tournaments, it's often a good idea to sit opposite the dealer.  Psychologically, it makes you feel as if the dealer is giving you the game, and it gives you the widest possible view of the other players.
5. Don't Worry About The Other Tables
Live poker tournaments can seem overwhelming, especially if you're a newcomer.  It can be tempting to look around at all the other tables to see who's left in, but that will only distract you from your game.  You can only play against what's in front of you, and that's the group of players at your own table.  So learn to focus all of your attention on your own game, and ignore everything else.
Above all, the secret of winning at live poker tournaments is to be relaxed in that environment.  When you're relaxed, your natural poker playing skills will be able to shine through.