(Distributed Feb. 28, 2006)
HERE ARE 4 STEPS TO GET INTO THE MONEY
Want to beat those low buy-in, one-table, sit & go no-limit hold’em online tournaments? This four-step strategy should get you in the money about half the time. Here’s how it works:
* Stage 1 — Be cool and observe.
Play very few hands during the first three levels. The blinds (forced bets, like antes) are so small that it’s not worth the risk to try to steal them before the flop (the first three community cards).
Use this time to observe your opponents’ betting habits and starting hands. That knowledge will pay off later.
The only hands you should raise with are A-A, K-K and Q-Q. You want action with these premium hands, so raise about four times the big blind to thin the field to one or two players. If everybody folds, that’s fine.
Just call with A-K because your standard raise likely won’t knock everyone out. A-K is just a drawing hand against a full table of 10 players.
Don’t play drawing hands such as 7-8 offsuit or K-2 suited, unless you’ve posted a blind and nobody raises. These hands are hard to hit and can demolish your stack.
* Stage 2 — Step on the gas, carefully.
By the end of Level 3, two or three players likely will have busted out. Unless you’ve caught some monster hands at this point, you won’t be the chip leader. That’s OK, because in no-limit just one hand can propel you into a favorable chip position at any time.
The blinds now are larger, so you can step on the gas. Do it wisely, though, using your betting position to your advantage.
For example, if you’re on the button (acting last) with a pair of eights or higher and nobody has raised, go ahead and bet about triple what’s in the pot. That should knock out the blinds and put pressure on anyone who just limped in with marginal cards.
You also can make this play with A-K, A-Q and A-J. Often, everyone will fold or you’ll get one caller. After the flop, odds are your remaining opponent will check. Usually, you can bet and take the pot.
Be aggressive, but play smart. Don’t be afraid to fold a decent hand if you think you’re beat.
* Stage 3 — Protect your stack.
With four or five players left, and only three spots getting paid, you can’t afford any mistakes.
If you’re first or second in chips, stay out of trouble. Don’t play any drawing hands weaker than K-Q offsuit or A-x suited. You still can be first to raise from any position with nice pairs (8-8 through Q-Q). With A-A or K-K, sometimes trap a single opponent by waiting until after the flop to raise. You’re a big favorite and want to get paid off!
If you’re short-stacked, look for a strong hand to go all-in with against a single opponent. Fold everything else.
* Stage 4 — Go for the gold.
Once you’re in the money, open up your game! Raise with any pair or any two cards 10 or higher. If someone raises and you have a good hand, consider re-raising or going all-in.
If your remaining two opponents are active bettors, fold marginal hands and let them battle. You’ll move up a spot if one gets knocked out. If they’re weak bettors, sometimes raise with marginal hands to steal their blinds.
When you’re finally heads-up, the action gets fast and furious. Raise with any pair or any hand containing an Ace or a face card, otherwise fold.
The only time you should slow play (just call or check before the flop) is when you’re dealt a monster pair (Q-Q or higher). You want him in there because you could win the tournament on that hand!
Good luck, and have fun!
E-mail your poker questions and comments to russ@luckydogpoker.com for use in future columns. To find out more about Russ Scott and read previous LuckyDog Poker columns, visit www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2006 RUSS SCOTT
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