The countdown to the 2024 World Series of Poker is on. Each day until the start of the series on May 28, we'll bring you tips and insider info from some of the biggest names in the game.
Christina Gollins recently won the WSOP-C opening event at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. She made a deep run in the 2022 WSOP $1,000 NLH Ladies event, finishing third for $73.604, and has total career cashes of more than $680,000. You can follow Christina on X.
How should players prepare for the WSOP summer grind?
First, practice getting four hours of sleep at night, eating one meal daily, and running on fumes. Honestly, that might be my best advice.
But seriously, it depends on what the buy-in for the event will be. Throw everything you know about poker out the door if it's $1,100 and below. It’s very player-dependent. Try not to play GTO, just play the players and the structure.
If you're playing bigger buy-ins, then you can start playing real poker a little bit. The World Series is a different beast. It's not something we're used to. It's not something you can prepare for because you can’t study the spots you'll be involved in much of the time.
What's your favorite event?
That's a good question. All the events are the same for me. The Main Event is the only tournament I get anxious about. There's just so much anticipation and a need to bag each day.
But my favorite event is the Millionaire Maker. It's an excellent median type of tournament. It's solid play for the most part. You've got to weed out the low-stakes and micro-stake grinders. It can be really fun. Also, it doesn't have unlimited rebuys, which is nice. It can be an enjoyable tournament.
What advice do you have for women entering the Ladies event?
Don't bluff a lot. Play somewhat conservatively if you don’t have a big hand because women like to call other women. I don’t know what that’s all about [laughs]. When you do have a big hand, do the best you can to get max value.
What's your favorite thing to do on your days off?
Sleeping. I am probably in my bed in Vegas, sleeping with my dogs. On my days off, I try to work out. I’m also very focused on eating super healthy and getting at least three meals in that one day. I'm in body recovery mode because you don't get too many days off. It's a rest day.
I also try to reset my mind. I don't try to go out or hang out with people. I'm still in focus mode.
What do you need to take your game to the next level?
A really good DoorDash runner. I need to get at least three meals a day. I had to hire somebody for the last two years to bring food to my table for breakfast and lunch. I wasn't eating right.
Sure, I would bring food, but it's hard. It's hard to get something that's not going to spoil that's good for you. There is no way I'm eating at that WSOP cafe. I'm not going to get sick or pay $30 for a hotdog.
To take my game to the next level, I need to build up that physical and mental tolerance. It's a grind. If you're playing every single day, it's tough. It's tough to go 14 hours a day for two months straight. Playing your ‘A’ game that way is almost humanly impossible.
Is there a player who'll be at the WSOP you’ve always wanted to play with?
Phil Ivy is the only one. I like Phil because you can't read him very well. He'll stare into your soul. I’m curious to see who has the better stare down, me or Ivy [laughs]. I mean, he's just vicious, man. He's just a beast at the tables. No emotion. I love it. I want to feel that Ivy stare at least once in my life. That's funny. I'm usually the one giving a gnarly staredown. I’ll give it right back to him.
Check out the full schedule for the 2024 WSOP and plan which events you're going to target this summer. If you're looking at the lower end of the buy-ins, check out The Rec's guide to the WSOP. If you're looking for action with a bigger budget, follow what Jennifer Tilly is doing.
Feature image courtesy of WPT
