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Final Table No Limit Hold em Strategy

September 9, 2008

Making it to the final table of a no limit hold ‘em tournament, big or small, is already an accomplishment to be proud of, but if you want to make the most out of your position then it’s important to make some minor details to your strategy. Typically no limit hold ‘em tournaments pay out for places 1-10, but the payout for each of these placings rises significantly with the rank. For example, at a small online tournament you may only win $30-50 for 10th place, whereas first may be several hundred dollars. At a larger tournament, the top prize grows significantly and may be in the thousands (or even tens of thousands). This makes having a good strategy more valuable than any other playing situation.

Remember when coming to the final table that your opponents have already withstood the test of time and less competitive tables. There are not likely to be any fish here. Also remember that players with bigger stacks are going to use them, so if you are going to survive the growing blinds then you need to use your stack wisely too. Folding is still an important skill, but folding too frequently can chip away at your stack pretty fast in these last few hands. Depending on how many players are left, you’re going to have to take some calculated risks to stay in the game.

For example, most players as a general rule only play with the top ten starting hands. At this point in the tournament though—and especially as it progresses and the playing field is further whittled down—a pocket pair or any Ace can give you a serious advantage pre-flop. If you are sitting on one of the smaller stacks, don’t let the big boys or the blinds push you around. It is better to go all in with one of these marginal hands than to let someone else force you to take a risk on a weak hand. If however you are lucky enough to have the big stack, continue playing tight; many of your weaker competitors will feel the need to challenge your lead, essentially doing your betting for you, which will give you ample opportunities to call bluffs, collect pots, and eliminate more players.

Big risks should not be taken until you’re in the top five. You’ve given your opponents the impression that you only play when necessary, so few will question your bets giving you key opportunities to semi-bluff and steal the blinds. This is the best time to play aggressively, as weak hands get stronger with every player eliminated. By now your payout significantly exceeds your buy-in, so you’re only going to gain from this point on. With more experience, a better knowledge of poker rules, and a good amount of patience, you will be making more final tables in no time.

Written by Tom · Filed Under Poker Strategy |  

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