NHC - Finals

[pweizer]

Originally Posted by dpkovalesky

Just thought I would try to share a little info on those computer programs as VolJack and I have been talking about it too. A lot of people use something called HTR ( which is the black screen with bright green type old school DOS style programming that you are referring to). From what I understand it starts out as an aid but quickly becomes a crutch and doesn't take basic handicapping ideas like jockey switches into account But also know quite a few people who use it strictly for pedigrees, trying to find angles there.

I try to take something away from each time I qualify, my advice to newer players for the NHC event is to either play in (if you want to pony up the $500) or sit in the room on thursday during the last chance and handicap or just play some cash. I played in the last chance for the first time this year and really believe it helps you get a feel for dealing with the emotion in the room when a big price comes home that you might have and knowing how to move on from it.

the DT contingent will continue to grow at this event and a winner will be on here in the new few years I'm sure!

This is interesting. I would suggest the opposite. Playing the last chance just takes your focus away from what is really important, namely working on the Friday and Saturday races. If I could give one piece of advice it would be to start handicapping as early as possible so the night prior is far less stressful. There is also no rule that says you must handicap every race. I never look at Golden Gate other than a mandatory race. The overload comes from trying to cram too much into short of a period of time. Planning is key.

Finally, never worry about what anyone else has at nearly any point in the contest but the very end. Long shots will come in and some people will have them. This really has no impact on you. People tend to panic and reach way too early. The score needed to make the cut and to win is always pretty consistent. Last year, roughly $180 got you to day three. This year was a bit lower. But, I feel very certain that if I get to $180 next year, I will be playing on Sunday. Tune everyone else out and just focus on your own game.

Paul

[Benny]

Originally Posted by pweizer

This is interesting. I would suggest the opposite. Playing the last chance just takes your focus away from what is really important, namely working on the Friday and Saturday races. If I could give one piece of advice it would be to start handicapping as early as possible so the night prior is far less stressful. There is also no rule that says you must handicap every race. I never look at Golden Gate other than a mandatory race. The overload comes from trying to cram too much into short of a period of time. Planning is key.

Finally, never worry about what anyone else has at nearly any point in the contest but the very end. Long shots will come in and some people will have them. This really has no impact on you. People tend to panic and reach way too early. The score needed to make the cut and to win is always pretty consistent. Last year, roughly $180 got you to day three. This year was a bit lower. But, I feel very certain that if I get to $180 next year, I will be playing on Sunday. Tune everyone else out and just focus on your own game.

Paul

- well said. Players also would be wise to play in a couple of live events too before attempting the big show. online is fine to qualify, but doesnot prepare you for the big event.

[NTamm1215]

Personally, I would never play in the Last Chance tournament, but I do agree with Dan's sentiment on the ballroom. I avoided sitting in the main ballroom for the very reasons Dan stated. It's crowded, loud and dealing with people going nuts for each race can be somewhat mentally taxing.

Whether you've qualified online or at a live site, nothing is going to prepare you for the NHC. It's unique and much more challenging than any other handicapping tournament.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Personally, I would never play in the Last Chance tournament, but I do agree with Dan's sentiment on the ballroom. I avoided sitting in the main ballroom for the very reasons Dan stated. It's crowded, loud and dealing with people going nuts for each race can be somewhat mentally taxing.

Whether you've qualified online or at a live site, nothing is going to prepare you for the NHC. It's unique and much more challenging than any other handicapping tournament.

Well said Nick, I agree completely. Hopefully the lessons learned from my first time in such a challenging tournament can be carried forward.

[pointman]

I can't say enough about the experience I had this past weekend. First, it was a pleasure to meet jms, NTamm, Casp, utbighair and Fantini. I had the good fortune to randomly pick a seat next to Fantini and spend the contest with him at a table of a bunch of seasoned players who could not have been better people to play the contest with.

I feel that I learned a lot of lessons this past weekend and would certainly take a different approach if I am fortunate enough to make it back here next year or another time. The amount of races is overwhelming and I certainly would have to start capping a bit earlier than I did. Looking at many of the comments I can say I agree with a lot that has been said by the other people who were here.

I can't say enough about what utbighair accomplished this past weekend getting two entries in the top 10. To top it off, the donation to TRF on behalf of Ron Rippey exhibited an incredible amount of class.