Tips from the Pros on Navigating the Early Stages of an EPT Main Event
Day 1 of an EPT Main Event offers deep stacks, long levels, and a unique mix of players. These include seasoned professionals and first-time qualifiers. With so much playability, it's crucial to avoid unnecessary risks and focus on long-term survival.
We asked several top players and ambassadors for their best advice on how to navigate the opening day of an EPT Main Event.
Barny Boatman: "You're Very Deep, Play Accordingly"
"One thing I would say is just to remember that you're very deep," says PokerStars Ambassador Barny Boatman, who first cashed on the European Poker Tour in 2004 and even made the money in the very first EPT Monte Carlo Main Event in 2005.
"If things go wrong and you lose half your chips in the first level, you're still going to be left with 150 big blinds, which is a lot. Another thing to keep in mind is that the size of the pot you just lost could be inconsequential. In a couple of days, it could be the size of the big blind. You can always play your way out of trouble, especially early on."
Masato Yokosawa: "Pay Attention to Your Opponents"
"The most important thing on an EPT Day 1 for me is thinking about your opponents," says Masato Yokosawa. "You’ll likely be at the same table for most of the day, ten hours or more, so take the time to study how others play."
Yokosawa emphasizes that Day 1 fields can include a wide range of player types. Some will be experienced regulars; others may be qualifiers playing their first live event.
"Some will be very tight, others very loose. You need to observe, understand ranges, and look for bluffing opportunities. Everyone plays differently. Use that to your advantage."
David Docherty: "Protect Your Stack Early"
"Survival is the name of the game," says 2023 Irish Open Main Event champion David Docherty. "Protect your stack early on. Don’t do anything stupid in the first two levels."
He warns against getting careless with chips. "Some players see 30,000 chips and think they can splash around. Then suddenly they’re down to 15,000 and feeling despondent. Settle in, figure out your opponents, and don’t rush."
Jerome Sgorrano: "Stay Composed No Matter What"
Jerome Sgorrano knows the emotional rollercoaster of poker all too well. After busting 14th in the PokerStars Open Cup yesterday, he refocused quickly for the EPT Main Event.
"Normally on Day 1, you have to play very tight. But I started very badly today. The key is to keep your composure and not let early setbacks affect your decisions."
Conor Beresford: "Don’t Get in Your Own Head"
"Get good hands. Isn’t that the best strategy?" jokes Conor Beresford, before turning serious. "Compose yourself and don’t go too crazy. Don’t get in your head too much."
It’s easy to overthink early decisions. Staying calm and playing solid hands is Beresford’s formula for Day 1 success.
Pierre Calamusa: "Value Bet Big, Don’t Bluff"
French pro and Winamax Ambassador Pierre Calamusa keeps it simple.
"Make good hands. Value bet heavily. Big sizing, and it should work. Don’t bluff."
For Calamusa, Day 1 is not the time to get fancy. When the spots come, bet big and get value.
