This free online poker article examines a scenario that is not uncommon on bubbling satellite poker tournament tables. I played in a couple of games like this last week and have found it to be not at all uncommon.
In my example, they were $12 shootout satellites with the target being the main $220 poker tournament. I was in 3rd place but to qualify (bubble) had to make top two. There were 2 bigger stacks and one shorter stack, and I was the shorter stack.
I had about 1500; my 2 adversaries had about 7000. Blinds were 75-150, so not much room to play for me. But my opponents were both playing super tight. This is one of the tells you have to immediately pick up on when you get near the tickets.
What that means is these guys are most likely really low on their bankrolls, maybe $200 max so they’re being very careful. An ideal situation to take advantage of.
Getting back to the specific situation, my 2 opponents were super tight. They could have easily taken me out, but instead I stole my way up to about 3000 in about 10 minutes. When re-raised, I fold, and let them have it. With the way they are playing, you will see many more opportunities.
The kept playing like this and avoided me, then they both got big hands (A,A vs K,Q where A,A flopped a set and K,Q got the straight). So they went on and knocked each other out. Great news for me, I got my final ticket.
Now I want to try to give you some 3 tips on how to maximize your chances when you are attacking shorts or are a short.
1 – Always try to be aggressive. The bigger your stack, the better. Always raise the shorties Big Blind. Since they are short they can’t afford to play. Their choices are limited to push or fold. They will most often fold though, since you are so aggressive and are hoping you will go battle with the bigger stacks.
2 – Do Not battle with the bigger stacks, unless you have premium hands!
You need the money from the shorter stacks, not the bigger who can either knock you out or cripple you!
Even if you’ve got a premium hand such as KK and there is an ace on the flop, fold it. Your goal is to kill the shorts, if you lose some chips to a larger stack in the meantime it does not matter.
3 – Whenever you raise the shorties, and you get re-raised (all-in), don’t hesitate to call!
These shorties often fill up with frustration and will often push with any ace or medium king.
Do not be afraid to call with 10-8, where you are often only 60-40 behind. When the short stack has less then 30% of your stack, I would call with almost anything (given the blinds represent a reasonable portion of your stack)
I hope that this article makes it a little clearer to you that being aggressive is the best way in cashing in satellites on both the cash sites as well as free online poker. Remember the minute you start tightening up and let the shorter stacks roam freely, you’re bringing problems that could be easily avoided!
And what better spot to practice your stack play than at play poker online for free site http://www.NoPayPOKER.com where you don’t have the fear of taking a loss like you do at on money sites or live tables yet you can still win actual money.