Dominate Sit and Go Tournaments | How to Play Poker

 Play Poker: How to Play

What is a Sit and Go Poker Tournament (Sit-and-Go Poker Tournament)? A sit-and-go poker tournament typically features six to 10 players. These poker tournaments are quick and can be completed in a matter of minutes. SNG stands for sit-n–go, and unlike regular poker tournaments that have a starting time, it starts immediately after the maximum number of players sign up.

Blinds are quickly raised, usually within 15 to 20-minute rounds or less. These tournaments can be played for a range of entry fees and have many small buy-ins. This tournament is more popular for players with less skills than for those who have higher buy-ins. All standard poker rules apply to poker tournaments.

These tournaments often feature no-limit Texas Hold'em. The majority of these tournaments pay the top two to three places. Ten-person tournaments will typically pay the top three positions. The buy-in usually starts you with 1,000-1500 in chips. Turbo Sit and Go Poker Tournaments can sometimes be seen. These tourneys have a smaller field and a faster structure, where the blinds go up quicker, and/or a lower starting chip count.

The following sit and play poker strategy guide doesn't address how to read your opponents. The guide does include key concepts and an understanding of the math behind poker. Don't worry. You're not expected to solve equations at a table. It is important to understand the reasoning behind math.

HOW TO PLAY A STITCH AND GO POKE TOURNAMENT

Your play style in a sit and GO poker tournament will vary depending on how big your stack is relative to the bigblind. The blinds are raised after a certain amount of time. This is often around 15 minutes. When building your stack of chips, it is important to use an aggressive and tight style. If you sit still, you are falling behind. Here are some basics to help you build this stack.

* Against a calling station (a player who calls too frequently with weak poker hands), seldom bluff.

* Bluff more against players who fold frequently than you would normally. As the blinds rise you might see the same player switch from a calling position to one that folds too frequently.

* Be aware of the tendencies of your opponents early in tournament. Do not place them in one or two categories based on one play. However, you should always try to narrow it down.

* Use your opponents to determine the correct bet sizes. Pay a higher fee if a player chases every straight draw or flush draw. While you might not be able always to place the perfect amount of money, it is essential that you get close to the optimal.

* Play tighter in the early position (the spots that are to the left and first of the blinds) and looser in the later position (especially the button). A big advantage is to act last (having the position), especially against inexperienced or weak players.

STAGES OF A POKER TOURNAMENT - SIT AND GO

Each sit and go tournament can be broken into three stages. The time each stage takes will vary depending upon the tournament structure. However, here's a general breakdown.

EARLY ROUNDS of a SIT and GO Poker Tournament

Sit and Go poker tournaments will have a strategy that is very similar to regular cash games. It is important to play with a strict and aggressive style. This will allow you to maximize your position while punishing opponents who play too loosely. Avoid playing speculative hands, such as small pairs and suited connectors. These hands are only profitable if there are several players in the pot.

To limp with these hands you must be on the button, or very close to the button. The flop will only occur if you think at least five or six people will see it. Attention, the blinds are often aggressive and will raise to try to take a pot with a group of limpers. You should get to know your opponents. A play like this is unlikely to be attempted by inexperienced or weak players.

MIDDLE ROUNDS - A SIT & GO Poker Tournament

These middle rounds will most likely see half of the players leave. As you get closer and closer to winning, players will be more disciplined, especially those on the bubble. Low chip counts will likely be looking for any hand that can move all-in.

At all times, you must be aware of the chips stacks of your opponents. Although you might be able to profit from someone on the bubble in the early rounds, it is much more difficult. Look out for opportunities to play against the weaker hands. They will often be desperate, and you'll get paid with a weak hand. Here, aggressive play is best.

A short stack is a minimum of 10 big blinds in a sit and go tournament. This is a situation that you should avoid if you're unfortunate enough to find yourself in. They are usually trying to steal your position if you're in the one of blinds and they have a large stack that raises from the late position. You shouldn't be ashamed to go all-in with good hands. You shouldn't wait to feel your hands before making a move. Inexperienced players often find themselves getting blinded during a tournament.

LATE ROUNDS A SIT & GO POKER TASTER TOURNAMENT

When there are only a handful of remaining players, or three to four, then the tournament's final stages begin. This is when most players, especially those in third place, start to be scared. The player with a third-largest stack will often try to get in the money and wait for the fourth place player to beat him. What is a Sit and Go Tournament