Games Deals and Codes

MTTs, or multi-table tournaments are everywhere on the Internet. Regardless of the time of day or the buy in level, there’s always a game to be had somewhere. Playing in one isn’t as easy as just finding a game and taking a seat at the table, though. You have to understand the strategy behind the game, if you want to win the top prize.

Speaking of the top prize, the first thing you need to understand about an MTT is the prize pool. Although lots of prizes are given out in most MTT tournaments, that doesn’t mean that there are lots of big winners. In fact, most “winners” in an MTT will only win a little bit more than they paid to enter. It’s only the best finishers (usually the top three finishers) that get larger prize amounts.

Since the start of an MTT is like a cash game, the poker strategy in the beginning should be similar. In other words, you’re going to have plenty of chips to play with. The blinds will be low. So, it gives you the chance to pick and choose both what cards you play with and how you play them. Although you may want to build up an early lead, resist the urge to play questionable hands, like KJ. At the same time, though, capitalize on the weaker players when you can, since they’ll be likely to be knocked out early.

Later on in the tournament you need to adapt to the changing blinds. When the blinds are higher, for example, you should think twice about calling a raise. Also, remember that the fish (weak players) will be gone, so you’ll be facing tougher opponents.

Bubble play is another issue you need to deal with in a multi-table poker tournament. If you’re medium stacked, know that the large stacks are going to try to steal as many blinds as they can. If you catch decent cards, you can raise and often get them to fold. If, on the other hand, you are the large stack, don’t be afraid to use your chips to push your opponents around a little. They’ll often fold to your beds, allowing you to steal pots, since they want to make it into the money.

After the bubble, there will still be several tables going. At that point, many players will feel that they have nothing to lose, which isn’t the case at all. They feel that they are already in the money so they can take more risks, though. That loose play from them means that, if you catch a good card, you may be able to take a lot of chips.

Then there’s the final table. At the final table, you have to adjust to changes in the game again. Anyone with a short stack has a target on their back at the final table. Medium stacks will hope the short stack goes out before them, so they will tighten their play, for example. Large stacks are likely to make bigger bets, in hope of bullying the short stacks. The short stacks, meanwhile, must hope they catch a decent hand and then all in with it, in hopes of doubling up.