How to Win in No-Limit Texas Hold'em Tournaments

So, you've just shown up at your local bar or casino, and there's a No Limit Texas Hold'em tournament getting ready to start up. You've never played in a tournament, and you're used to just sitting at the low-limit Hold'em tables, relying on pure luck to win your money. Low limit games are for frat guys and old ladies. No Limit Texas Hold'em is the 'Cadillac of Poker'. In order to play in one of these tournaments, you need to be prepared for what is to come. Here are some tips and hints about how to play in a No Limit tournament.

Before you even get started, make sure you choose the right tournament for you. The following should be considered when entering your first No Limit Texas Hold'em tournament:

- The buy-in: Lower is better, but don't go too low (or free, for that matter). Remember that the less money there is at stake, the less people will think about their decisions, and the more often they'll call you with bad hands.

- The blind levels: Make sure that blinds start low, and that the time between blind levels is relatively high. This allows you more patience to select better starting hands to play with. If you have to settle for a turbo-style tournament (anything less than 15 minutes between blind levels), make sure to loosen up you starting hand selection a bit.

- How many people: the more people you have in a tournament, the longer it will take to get to the final table. So if you're looking for a short tournament experience, play in one of the single table tournaments that many casinos provide. If you want the marathon experience, go for the multi-table tournaments.

And now, the tips for beginning No Limit tournament players: