The Pokerfather's Top 10
Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament Tips
Tournament Tip #1: Be Patient
One problem that befalls Texas Hold'em Tournament players is that
they get impatient as the blinds move up. In order to be successful
in tournament play you must have the discipline to wait for a
solid hand.
Tournament Tip #2: Let players eliminate themselves
The goal in Texas Hold'em Tournaments is to outlast the
other players. The goal is not to beat everyone at the table.
Other players will eliminate themselves. To often, people build
an early chip lead only to watch it dwindle from making loose
calls. If you are in good shape don’t be afraid to sit out
or play tight.
Tournament Tip #3: Take risks early
If you plan to take risks, do it early. The lower blinds mean
you can afford to see more flops and make looser calls than normal.
Tournament Tip #4: Sit out a round when you join a new
table
You will be moved several times during a tournament. Each time
you are moved, take at least one round to get a feel for the table.
Learn how each player plays before getting caught in a hand and
not having any idea of how your opponent plays.
Tournament Tip #5: Watch for traps
Often, players will trap more in Texas Hold'em Tournaments
than in ring games. Be careful when making a bet with a dangerous
board, even if you plan to fold if you get raised. These small
mistakes will eat away your chips quickly as a tournament progresses.
Recognize the possibility of a trap and try to make a smaller
bet to entice your opponent to reveal more information about their
hand.
Tournament Tip #6: Don’t be afraid to go all in
When you’re playing in any no limit tournament, chances
are you’ll have to go all in at least once. The key is to
not fear going all in, but to recognize when you have the best
hand and force someone else to catch you.
Tournament Tip #7: Avoid pushing all-in on a draw hand
Going all in should be reserved for instances when you feel you
have the best Texas Hold'em Poker hand. In order to go all in
with any sort of draw hand, you must be getting tremendous pot
odds. Be absolutely certain that if you do hit your hand, it will
be good enough to win.
Tournament Tip #8: Try to steal blinds
If you’re in a late position, do not be afraid to make a
play for the blinds. For every blind you steal, it’s like
not having to post one the next time around. You can buy time
while you wait for a big hand.
Tournament Tip #9: Be a bully
If you see someone is low on chips, don’t be afraid
to push him or her around. Make them uncomfortable and force them
to go all in. It is a great way to win small pots if you are facing
someone who has a lot fewer chips than you.
Tournament Tip #10: Latter rounds
If you have a decent amount of chips, you should play extremely
tight in the later rounds. This is when low stacked players will
be looking to move all in and chip leaders will only be playing
the "nuts". Your starting cards become extremely important
because it is very likely every hand will result in someone going
all in. Adjust your game accordingly. Even if you’re not
where you want to be as far as chip count, be extremely patient
and wait for a very strong hand.
(top)
More Poker Tips
Please also see our articles on:
"The
Poker Father's Top 10 Poker Tips for Playing Poker"
"Ten
Tips to Improve Your Online Poker Game"
"Five
Unconventional Tips to Poker Success"
Please Also See:
Poker
Tips - Poker
Lessons - Tournament
Tips - Poker
Rules
Poker
Starting Hands - Estimating
Odds - Poker
Strategy
|