With the Monster only a few days away it’s time to start thinking about what you need to bring. A phrase attributed to Benjamin Franklin comes to mind. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Clothing and Apparel

The uniform of the poker player is somewhat unique; each player will have a style and persona that they wish to portray at the poker table. This may be a tactic, a way for them to focus or simply worn due to comfort. Hats, shades and hoodies are common attire at these events. Others make statements with their outfits. One of which is hard to miss and adds colour and fun to the events is IPT regular and PaddyPower Pro Dara O’Kearney, who will always be seen wearing a trademark snazzy shirt.

Bankroll and Buy-ins

It sounds obvious but it’s the one thing that can derail a trip quickly. Plan your bankroll before you arrive. Know what events you are playing, what satellites you might take a shot at and how many bullets you are realistically willing to fire.

Having a mix of cash and card is key. Queues at ATMs during peak times are no one’s idea of fun, especially when late reg is ticking down.

Documents and Essentials

ID is non-negotiable. No ID, no play. Simple as that.

Have everything you need for registration and the hotel ready to go, such as booking references, confirmation emails and any relevant apps or accounts if you’ve qualified online. This simple bit of preparation speeds up check-in and registration when at the event.

Tech and Charging Gear

Your phone is your lifeline at a festival. Updates, event times, group chats, chip counts, taxis, food. It is used for virtually everything in the modern world.

Bring a charger, and more importantly, a portable power bank. Long days turn into longer nights quickly. If you’re down to 3 percent in Level 12, you’re in trouble.

Headphones are also essential. Whether it’s music, a podcast or just blocking out the noise, they can help you stay locked in.

Food and Hydration

At the Green Isle Hotel in Dublin, players have the luxury of a restaurant in the next room during breaks and down times. There is a set menu and also a carvery on each day that has been applauded by a countless number of the players who have sampled it.

Later into the night there is a wide variety of takeaways to choose from should you see yourself hungry and battling into the early hours of the morning.

Some players will come fully stocked so they can focus solely on the poker. Snacks. Protein bars, fruit, nuts and crisps etc will be stowed away and ready when needed.

Stay hydrated. Coffee will carry you for a while, but water keeps you sharp. Four days of poor eating and dehydration catches up quickly, especially deep in a tournament when decisions matter most.

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Lucky Charms

Each player will have their own superstitions, things that they bring with them for comfort, helping provide confidence in their decisions. This can be anything from an item of clothing, something that means something to them or an item given by a family member or friend which helps to ground them in certain scenarios. Often these will be in the form of card protectors, that sit in front of the player when at the table.

Comfort and Survival Kit

This is where experienced players separate themselves. Think hoodie for temperature swings, comfortable shoes, maybe even a spare t-shirt in your bag. Tournament rooms can go from roasting to freezing within an hour.

Eye drops, painkillers and chewing gum, small things that make a big difference over long sessions. If you wear glasses, bring a backup. If you don’t, consider blue light glasses if you’re glued to screens between hands.

Study and Mental Prep

Not everything you bring is physical. Hand histories, notes, reminders of leaks you’re working on, even a quick glance before you sit down can sharpen your focus. Some players bring a book; others just keep things in their phone. The key is arriving with a clear head. A four-day event is as much mental endurance as it is technical skill.

The Intangibles

Confidence, patience and discipline. You can’t pack them in a bag, but you’ll need all three. There will be long stretches of nothing, followed by moments where everything is on the line. Being prepared means accepting both.

 

Images by Mickey May