Beginning Stages of a No-Limit Tournament
January 19, 2008
I have developed a strategy that has suceeded for me more times than anything else. This is the first part of the series and I have titled it exactly what it is, a strategy to win a no-limit tournament.
THE BEGINNING STAGES: Should you steal the Blinds?
The answer to this is an NO! With the blinds so small and no ante required, it is very important to stick to a Top Ten Only Strategy – especially when the pot has been raised pre-flop. However, with this strategy in mind, it is important to consider other hands when the pot has not been raised before the flop. For instance, this is an excellent time to play hands like Ax suited, small suited connectors, and smaller pocket pairs. Once again, only when the pot has not been raised pre-flop. The reason for even considering these hands is because occasionally you could win a big pot early with these types of hands and since the blinds are relatively smaller, they are cheaper to play.
The main reason to play super-tight when there is no ante and there have been no raises before the flop is that you can also steal small amounts of money when you do raise the pot.
So, sit back, play patiently for the first few levels of a tournament in hopes that you will have a few opportunities to take a few small pots. Only by playing super tight poker can you do this. But, be very sure to pay attention to the others at your table and their actions. Do they check raise whenever they have a big hand or do they bet it? Try to sharpen your reads in these early stages of the game and gain an edge on your opponents. These reads will allow you to make good moves on your opponents later on, or make good lay downs.
Remember, from the time you hear “Shuffle up and deal!”, the game is on. However, to make it to the later rounds, when the true players come out, it is necessary to emplore some of these tactics early on.