What to Expect at the World Series of Poker

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the world’s biggest and most prestigious poker tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, it features dozens of events and attracts thousands of players from all over the globe. If you’re planning on attending this year’s WSOP, here’s what you need to know.

Tournament Schedule

The WSOP features a packed schedule of tournaments, with something happening almost every day from late May through mid-July. The Main Event, which is the tournament everyone wants to win, runs for ten days. Other notable events include:

● The Colossus (a massive tournament with a $565 buy-in).

● The Millionaire Maker (a $1,500 buy-in tournament with a guaranteed prize pool of $1 million).

● The Seniors Event (open to players aged 50 and up).

Poker games

Texas Hold’em: This is the most popular form of poker in the world, and it’s also the game for the main event at this year’s World Series of Poker. Texas Hold’em is a community card game, meaning that players share five cards between them. The aim is to make the best hand possible using your two-hole cards and the community cards.

• Omaha: Another popular form of poker, Omaha, is similar to Texas Hold’em, but each player is dealt four hole cards instead of two. Players must use two of their hole cards and three community cards to make their hands.
• Seven-Card Stud: Seven-card stud is a traditional form of poker that has been around for many years. In this game, each player is dealt seven cards, three of which are face down and four of which are face up. Players must make the best five-card hand possible using any combination of their hole cards and the face-up cards.
• Razz: Razz is a variation of seven-card stud, but it’s played with low hands instead of high hands. In other words, the aim is to make the worst hand possible using your seven cards. The best hand in Razz is A-2-3-4-5, known as “the wheel.”

Players can expect many other poker variations at the World Series of Poker, but these are some of the most popular games you can expect to see. Whichever game you play, remember to stay calm and think carefully.

What to bring

Aside from your bankroll, there are a few other things you’ll need to bring to the WSOP. Most importantly, you’ll need a valid photo ID to enter the casino and register for events. You’ll also need to get your poker face and a healthy dose of patience – some events can take quite a while to play out.

Satellites

If you don’t have the bankroll to afford a direct buy-in to a WSOP event, you can try winning your way in through a satellite tournament. These are smaller tournaments with a lower buy-in, but the top prize is usually an entry into a more significant event. Satellites are offered both online and live poker rooms throughout the country.

Buy-ins and prizes

Buy-ins for WSOP events range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. And with thousands of players competing in each event, prize pools can be massive. The buy-ins for WSOP events range from $565 to $111,111.

The Colossus has the lowest buy-in, while the High Roller for One Drop has the highest. Of course, the Main Event is in the middle at $10,000. The Main Event winner takes home a multi-million dollar cash prize and the coveted WSOP bracelet.

Getting to Las Vegas

If you’re coming from outside the US, you’ll need to obtain a visa to enter the country.

Once you’re in Vegas, getting around is relatively easy – most major hotels are located on or near the Las Vegas Strip, which is just 4 miles long.

WSOP Online

If you can’t make it to Vegas, you can still play in WSOP events online. The WSOP has partnered with Caesars Interactive Entertainment to offer online satellites and events. You can simply download the WSOP app, deposit your money through a trusted payment method, and play!

What to wear

There’s no dress code at the WSOP, but most players dress casually. You’ll see everything from t-shirts and jeans to suits and dresses. Remember that you’ll spend long hours sitting in a chair, so comfort is vital. Many players also wear baseball hats or other headwear to help keep the lights out of their eyes.

Cell Phones

You’re not allowed to use your cell phone while actively playing in a tournament. However, you can step away from the table to take calls or texts. Just be sure to let the dealers know what you’re doing.

Poker etiquette

There are a few things to remember when playing poker at the WSOP. First, be respectful of your fellow players and dealers. Second, don’t do anything that would slow down the game, such as fiddling with your chips or talking on the phone. And finally, remember that poker is a game of patience – don’t get too upset if you lose a hand or two.

GGPoker, the world’s largest poker room, provides free poker games that can help you get a seat at WSOP

If you’re looking for a way to improve your poker game and maybe even qualify for the WSOP, GGPoker is the place for you. GGPoker’s free poker online games will help you hone your skills, and its massive tournaments offer excellent opportunities to win big. Sign up today and see why GGPoker is the best online poker site.