The atmosphere of the WSOP is magical. Just being there, amongst the hundreds of poker tables and thousands of poker players all vying for their place in poker history, is a real buzz. I'm sure it must be a very intimidating experience for a rookie tournament player to walk into that big ballroom. Even to the seasoned professional player, the electricity in that room is mind-blowing.

Along with the money and fame that go with taking down a WSOP tournament, there's a golden opportunity to make money in the side games. The reputation of the ring games that surround WSOP is legendary. Some poker players come to the WSOP and do not play any tournaments. Instead, they do their hours in the side action ring games, and do extremely well from the massive influx of money and players.

One area that is somewhat ignored, however, is the single table satellites, or sit-n-gos as they are called online. Most players will only play a single table satellite with the direct intent of winning their way into a following day's tournament. Apart from a few hardcore single table players, most people fail to realize the true earning potential of these single table tournaments, preferring to devote their time to the ring games. But by doing so, they may be leaving one of the best moneymaking opportunities out of their playing time.

You will rarely see me in a ring game at large poker events, unless I am horsing around with some friends in the same game. I'll either be playing the tournament of the day, or slugging it out for hours in the single table satellites. I play probably 10 to 15 single table sit-n-gos a day online and have naturally become pretty strong at them. Online sit-ngos will prepare you well for the live games, as the strategy and tactics are nearly identical. And in my opinion, the single table satellites at live events are much easier to beat than the ones online. Thus, practicing online can open up a world of potential earning power at large poker events like the WSOP.

The dynamics of a sit-n-go constantly change as the game progresses and players are lost, and you have to adjust your play accordingly. Hand values increase as the field size decreases, forcing you to be flexible in your game. Hands that you wouldn't dream of playing at a full table become good, or even great, with position on a short-handed table. Having a bare ace or king three-handed is actually a better than average starter.

Aggression is key in this kind of tournament, both online and live. Forcing your opponent to make the tough decisions is way easier and more effective than having to do so yourself.

Playing very small stakes sit-n-gos online can train you to play aggressively without much risk to your bankroll. Sometimes I'll play a very small stakes sit-n-go online, and raise or reraise every hand I play for no other reason than to push the envelope and try to get a good read on whether I'm behind or not. This has really sharpened my instincts and taught me how to control the play at the table. It's much more effective and profitable to be the guy the other players hate to get into a hand with, rather than sitting there scared to death of the maniac to your left.

Knowing how to use your stack while it's big enough to intimidate your opponent is critical. I've seen many rookie players blind themselves down to an ineffective stack size. When they finally come into a pot, their chip stack size is too small to really damage me, which allows me to take a shot at them with a hand that I wouldn't dream of calling against a bigger stack.

Basically, you have to know when it's time to start shoving your stack into the middle, either trying to steal a few critical blinds, or to get lucky if you are called, so you can become a threat again.

Playing sit-n-gos online can train you in the skills you'll need, should you decide to step into the world of live single table satellites. They will not only give you the opportunity to win a seat into your targeted event, but they will also give you a great opportunity to make a lot of money. Pop online and practice your play before you head to your next live event. It could end up being your little pot of gold. Just go easy on me if you see me at your single table; after all, I just gave you some good advice.

Knock 'em dead, Jim "KrazyKanuck" Worth