I’m playing a $50 SNG, with 10 players. 3 hands into the game, I took two people out. Suddenly, I have 3000+ chips and everyone else has 1000 or less.

We all know that big stacks bully little stacks. When I’m the little stack, I see that as a nice opportunity.

When I’m the big stack… and in this case… it’s a big stack. You should tighten up and protect it. Don’t bully.

Someone is waiting on you to try to bully them, and you’ll find your big stack becomes average stack.

Likewise, it’s ok to take a few chances when the blinds are small and you can sneak in. That might leave you with a little luck and a bigger stack. Once your stack is small, you need to tighten up and pick your spots.

When you’ve earned (or become lucky) and have a big stack… don’t get reckless.

I won the SNG. Carefully watch what others think are good hands… but that’s a different post.

Of course… the strategy changes when you’re playing $200 SNGs or $20 SNGs.

One of the biggest problems with no limit games is this: By the time you know someone is dumb, they’re gone. By the time someone totally outplays you, you’re gone. That’s why you both protect, and take very calculated risks when playing NL poker, at any level.

Posted by in Learn Poker, Texas Hold Em, How to Play Poker