28
Getting Butterflies
I’m playing today, in the first of the opening heats. I’m excited and feel that I’m playing at the top of my game.
It’s an overwhelming event – I just heard that there may be 10,000 players in total. But I can’t worry about that. All I can do is take it one table at a time, 10 players at a time. You really can’t worry about what’s happening at the other tables and who has the chip lead. You need to focus on the players around you.
I think we’re starting playing 11-handed, so I’ll need to play pretty tight. With 11-handed tables, there’s probably going to be a big hand out there, so you need to be pretty tight, especially in early position.
I’ve got butterflies now, but that’s something that’s always worked for me. I get an adrenaline rush when I play, and that helps keep me on my toes. Even when I played basketball in high school, I did things like not go to the bathroom before the game – it helped keep me tense and focused. If I’m too relaxed I tend not to play well.
It’s going to be a tiring day, but I’m well rested. And when I make through today I’ll have five days off to recharge.
