Mid-Game
Sit And Go Strategy
Things
can get very tricky for you in the middle stages of
a sit and go poker tournament. The size of your stack
will often determine your strategy - and if you have
ambitions to win or grind out an in the money finish
while playing poker
online.
If
you have a big stack then life does become easier for
you. Use it to intimidate opponents with small stacks
and send them packing. Don’t get too carried away though
- a few reckless calls and beats sees your big stack
become a small stack and you’re in trouble. Use your
head at all times.
If
you reach the middle stages and have a mid-sized stack
you might think about doubling up with an all-in push
when the right opportunity arises - for example you
have strong hole cards or sense major weakness in your
opponents. Or iof not a double up you ca steal enough
chips to see you through a few more rounds by which
time more of your opponents could be knocked out. You
can still pick your battles with a medium or even small
stack in the mid stages of a tournament. And when you
do then be the agressor to get those chips in and push
your opponents off their hands.
Wait
for an opportunity to come your way and go for it. You
can’t afford to wait for pocket aces to recuse you -
they most likely will not arrive. If you are lucky enough
to get a premium starting hand then bet it accordingly.
If not you might wait for when you are in late position
with only a caller or two (no raisers) in front of you.
This could be the sign of weakness you can exploit with
a big raise or an all-in push. If it works, you have
boosted your mid sized stack in to a larger on which
can propell you to a money finish.
If
you can survive and get to the “bubble” (four players
left, top three score cash) you might find that play
tightens up as people fold automatically waiting for
one other to fall victim. You can use this to your advantage
too by using your mid sized (or hopefully by low large
stack) to push those hanging on off their hands and
bag their chips. People playing this way are easy to
spot.
Almost
any two cards will do if you pick your time and victim
carefully. Careful mid-tournament play can pay you off
handsomely if you are smart about how you approach it
and how you use your stack for maximum effect.
If
you would like to learn more about effective strategy
you might consider taking a look at a poker
school. Good luck in those tournaments!