Article from today's New York Post

October 4, 2005 -- Poker phenom Chris Moneymaker's Top 5 tips for winning big
If you're playing in a World Series of Poker or World Poker Tour event for the first time, it's easy to be overwhelmed. Don't be. These are events where newbies can win big.

Chris Moneymaker knows this firsthand. He won the World Series main event in 2003, earning $2.5 million after spending just $40 to qualify online on PokerStars.com. What made the Tennessee accountant's victory even more stunning was that it was his first tournament that didn't involve his computer.

Here are Moneymaker's tips for tournament beginners.

* First observe players in a real card room: If you've only played online or in a home game, spend some time in Vegas, Atlantic City or at Foxwoods. "You want to pay attention to how a person looks at his cards, how he bets, how he responds to you," Moneymaker says.

* Be patient: Big-time poker tournaments are marathons, not sprints. Participants often play at least 10 hours a day, so there's no need to be in a hurry. "Don't play anything where you have to make a tough decision early in the tournament," Moneymaker says.

* Just worry about your table: With dozens, if not hundreds, of tables playing simultaneously, it's easy to get distracted by the pro with a huge stack of chips at the next table - but don't let that happen to you.

* Keep your mind fresh: "Playing poker for a week straight is brutal," says Moneymaker, who advises players to drink lots of water, avoid caffeine and eat small snacks.

* Enjoy yourself: If you're nervous, you won't win big and you won't have fun. Moneymaker says it's important to remember that you're on a thrilling trip, no matter what happens. "You can have a good time, even if you're out of the tournament," he says. "If you still want to play poker, just go find a game, have a good time and relax."

For information about the poker school Chris Moneymaker is launching with fellow poker legend Johnny Chan, visit chanmoneymakeracademy.com.