How To Win Poker Tournaments
Written January 30, 2008 by Jack Jones
There are a lot of people out there looking for a guide on how to win poker tournaments and think they have to change up their play drastically in order to do so. We have some of the following tips for you and they could come as a surprise.
Here is the first tip we are going to offer you: stop forcing the action! Just play your normal game of solid poker and let the chips flow as they do. That is the best answer for almost any tournament question that we get asked here.
We really don’t think that there is that big of a difference between cash games and tournaments when it comes to strategy. Instead of worry about adjusting your play for tournaments, why not focus your attention on adjusting to the other players at the table. The most important skill you can have at this game is to be able to react and adapt to a wide range of opponents who play different styles. If you can do this, then you are going to find yourself successful in both the cash games and when playing in tournaments.
There are too many costly mistakes being made out there by players trying to adjust their play for tournaments. Remember to adjust your play and you’ll win in both tournaments and cash games.
Now let’s take a look at some questions we have been asked on how to be a winning tournament player.
1. How many chips should I have after the first two levels?
Our answer – As many as you possibly can.
Worry about playing your cards and your opponents instead of forcing action because you think you need a certain amount before the next level. Think about grabbing more chips while keeping the ones that you have on your side of the table. The more chips you have, the higher your chance is of winning, while the fewer you have, the worse off you are.
So don’t fret about a magical number. You can be down to your last chip and still have a shot, and you can have the majority of them early and not be guaranteed a victory. If you focus too much attention on a specific number then you are going to end up failing.
2. Should I play more hands early when the blinds are small, and then tighten up in the later rounds when the blinds increase?
We don’t think you should change your play as the tournament goes on. What you need to do is try to maximize your advantage over your opponents no matter what stage the tournament is in. A lot of players play too loose early so instead of following suit just adjust your play accordingly by:
1. Attempting to steal the blinds less often
2. Call more raises
3. Re-raise more often
When the opponents tighten up in the later rounds, you’ll need to adjust to their play. Steal more often and stay out of pots with lots of players. React to the players at the table though and not the stage of the tournament.
3. I almost seem to finish just outside the money. Should I play tighter close to the money or try to rack up more chips in the early round?
If you are asking this question then there is a good chance that you are tightening up way to soon. You are over-adjusting your play for the tournament. If you tighten up too soon then that is the surest way to finish just outside the money. Don’t tighten up until there are two or three players left. Simply pay your best, aggressive game and don’t let your stack get dwindled to the point that you can’t protect your hand. If you do that then your opponents will be getting the right odds to call even if they are playing weak hands. Be on the lookout for opportunities to make a move before you fall into this situation, even if you have to raise with less desirable hands.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- Poker Tools: Position, Chips & Cards
- Freeroll Tournaments: BookMaker.com
- Casino Games & Bonuses: BookMaker Tournaments
- Aggressive Play in Limit Poker
- 2009 WSOP Qualifiers at Bodog Poker
Got something to say?
No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!