It’s hard to beat the thrill of entering a poker tournament, outlasting hundreds of people and finally winning it as the last player standing.
Not only is it fun but it’s also one of the only forms of poker where you can risk very little but win potentially life-changing money. All that said, tournament poker is a little bit different than regular cash-game poker and a lot different than the penny ante game you play at home with your friends.
1. Always Play Tight in the Early Stages
This one is pretty simple, but in the early stages of a tournament you have little to gain but so much to lose by “playing loose” and raising a lot.
Because the blinds are so low you’re not going to be gaining much by bluffing very often.
If you get attached to some marginal hand like K-J you’re more than likely going to run into a monster like AA or KK.
Be patient. Very, very patient.
2. Ramp Up the Action Later
That tight strategy changes as the blinds increase, though.
Suddenly there’s real value in stealing the blinds or hitting big hands with mediocre starting hands.
As play progresses you should definitely open up the range of cards you play and be more aggressive when the situation is right.
3. Play in Position
Here’s a tip that will save you A LOT of money in poker tournaments:
If you’re the first player to act, just fold unless you have a monster pair or AK.
Playing weak hands in early position (with many players left to act) is a recipe for disaster.
We get that you like playing marginal hands every now and then; just try doing it from late position or on the button. You’ll be surprised how big a difference that simple adjustment makes.
Think about it. If you’re the last player to act than you can wait until everyone folds and then bluff at the blinds.
The blinds are more inclined to fold because they’ll be playing out of position the rest of the hand.
4. Don’t Sit Too Long on a Short Stack
You never want to blind out of the tournament. It’s just not a good strategy.
It’s better to go all-in with 7-5 with 8 big blinds than all-in with JJ with one big blind.
Winning with JJ with one big blind simply won’t do enough.
5. Be Careful on the Bubble
If you’re short-stacked the “bubble” – the point where you start making the money - is a very stressful time. Whatever you do, don’t throw away your shot at a cash by bluffing. One silly hand can be the difference between making or losing a lot of money.
Do everything in your power to stay alive. Meanwhile, if you have a big stack do the opposite. Bully the short stacks since they have a big incentive to fold.