Author -> Master-Texasholdem -> 2/11/07

Sit and Go Techniques!

Probably the most seen format of texas hold em poker is the sit and go. This involves you putting down a certain amount of money to sit at the table and wait for the table to fill then off you go. The pot is then split between the top finishes. These are a great way to have quick games of poker with a good chance of getting into the cash places. Here are some tips and techniques on how to beat them! The most common format is 10 seat tables so this article will be based on this, however if you wish to go for the quicker 6 seat tables you will have to move on to the middle stages section.

Early Doors

The best tactic for early stages in a sit and go format is to play safe and tight. Far too many poker players rush into games betting big and playing every hand. This tactic is a sure fire way to get knocked out early in a lot of games, of course sometimes it will pay off by winning early pots and all-ins giving you a substantial chip lead.

The way i play and a lot of players play is too play tight, try keep out of big aggressive hands and just play your monster cards (see HERE for what's classed as a monster). This will give you a good chance of winning most hands your in while waiting for a few players to get knocked out giving less competition on pots. This type of tight play will give you the edge when you move up a gear during the middle stages.

Middle Stages

By the middle stages of the game (around six players left) a couple of things should have changed. Players now have been knocked out and blinds are coming round quicker. This means less competition and the chances of you having the better hand increases.

If you are sat on a healthy pot acquired by tight tactics you will have been given the tag of a tight player only willing to play big hands. The makes you a difficult foe and for the time being you should stick to your tactics and keep hitting them big hands. However if you have been unlucky on your cards and are looking at a below average chip count you need to start thinking about hotting up your game.

Don't be too rash on your play style but now you need to start thinking about stealing them blinds and playing more aggressively when you are in position. This also has the benefit of surprising your competitors as they may still see you as a threat since before you were only playing big hands!

Late Stages

You've made it! Your still in the game with 4-5 players left. At this stage some new tactics come into play as you are just bordering on the cash finish positions. This creates a separation of players which can help you both ways.

Firstly there are the players with the weakest chips counts. At this position they will tend to be trying to hang on to a cash finish. This can be easily exploited, make sure you are raising their blinds since chances are they wont be wanted to get into big pots or all-in position at this stage of the game. You will find yourself acquiring many blinds!

The opposite of these players are the big chip holders, they are likely in the same frame of mind! They will not bother getting involved in pots and let the smaller chip holders battle it out. This gives you the potential to raise their blinds as well since they will not be as bothered about losing them! But BEWARE if you get start getting called or re-raised be prepared to fold and cut your losses!

Remember at this stage of the game you shouldn't be holding on for monster hands, A-10 is a very powerful hand at this stage and should be used accordingly!