Beat SNGs

How to beat low limit single table tourneys

This is my first article and it is apt as I began my online poker education in low limit SNGs. I used to play upto 20 tables of the stars $3 10 man tourneys. According to sharkscope I averaged a 18% return on investment, which is $0.61/ tourney ($3.4x0.18) or $10-12 / hour. It actually was more as the tourneys would take about 45mins but who's counting.

Sure, $12/hour is not a lot but this was where I started and a vital first step to my poker education and to yours! I will now share the strategy that I used in the tourneys.

If you want to check my ROI go to SharkScope and search for 'MangaGav' on stars. You'll see I played ~ 1300 games with the last being in July '07.

Most STT have the same format; 10 people enter, 3 get paid in a ratio of around: 50% for 1st, 30% for 2nd and 20% for 3rd. The strategy I am going to outline below works for 10 seaters and 5-6 seaters as they both have the same three elements:

The beginning
The bubble
The money

The elements in the 5-6 max will just be shorter than the 10 seater, obviously.

Element I - The beginning.

This is the most straightforward bit of the tourney - play tight and let the fish get knocked out. Quite often you will be able to get almost to the money without doing much at all!

Play your big hands fast pre-flop. AA/KK/AK/QQ raise or re-raise them, do not try and get crafty - there is no need, people will pay you off with much worse.
Shutdown if you miss the flop with your hands, have AK flop comes 578? No worries don't get attached to it.
If you have an overpair on the flop play it aggressively, sometimes you will lose to a set or two pair but at low-levels people rarely fold top pair any kicker so get full value from them!
There are some exceptions to the rule, i.e. you have QQ on 567 against 4 other people. If a lot of money goes in here you will not be in great shape most of the time, obviously common sense has to be used and these situations will help you learn at poker!
Playing smaller pairs - you play these for set value.
- Call and try and see a flop if the call costs you less than 10% of your stack.
- AND you think if you hit your set (three of a kind) you stand a good chance of getting paid of 10X your initial call.
- If you miss your set on the flop fold unless you are pretty sure your hand is good.
Play suited good cards; JT, 67, 9T etc in late position similar to pocket pairs.
Avoid calling with the likes of KQ, QJ, KJ, Ax etc. They will only get you into trouble when you flop one pair and lose to a bigger kicker.

I play a few other speculative hands in position but that is about all untill the table is down to about 5 players (3-4 in 6 max).

Element II - The bubble.

This is the most fun bit! This is the time you have to really open up your game! This is when the average player begins to worry about not making it in the money and you have to pounce on this fear. Note: if the blinds have got large (when they are around 10% of your starting stack or more) you will have to play more aggressively regardless of how many people are in the tourney still.

Raising hands - raise about 2.5BB (Raise larger if out of position).
a) Any ace
b) Any pair
c) Any 2 broadways

Yes, raise with any two of the above. Providing you are first into the pot and have more than 8BB. If you have less than 8BB then shove all in.
Please note this is a hard and fast rule and you will have to change as the game ditacts. If others are being really aggressive then raise less if they're being really passive raise more etc.
Play aggressively against other aggressive bubble stealers. Pairs and large aces are good reraising hands, if someone is really aggressive use almost an ace. Do not be scared to bust here, this is where you make your money on the bubble!
If you get called play carefully. Take a stab at the pot if you think you cna win it but don't be scared to check it down or fold.
Bully bully bully! Bully the shortstacks that can't bust you, identify the ones that are trying to hang on for the cash and abuse it!! If you are the shortstack stay aggressive and push all in a lot pre with any of the raising hands.

Element III - The money

You're here, in the cash. Most likely with a decent stack since we played so aggressive on the bubble!

Stay aggressive, you are three handed now so you want to be raising often.
Third barely makes our money back, we're going for #1 and will settle for the odd second spot!
Bully the larger stack if you have a decent stack. Why? The shorty of the three has little to lose now, he's made the money that's what he wanted. The bigger stack wants the win though so he will fold a lot more. Steal those huge blinds.
Heads up play is so opponent dependant, you have to adapt to how he is playing. My best advice however is don't be afraid to get your stack in the middle.

I hope you enjoyed this article, please give me some feedback on it in the poker forum. I will also create a video demonstrating this method and post it for now exclusively in the forum.

So if you are not a member register and learn!

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