The M-Factor According to Dan Harrington
by Michael,Huckebein
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Introduction
In this Article- The M-factor and effective M
- The zone system
- Why you should never end up in the dead zone
Many players know the famous book series Harrington on Hold’em. This article will discuss a concept Harrington presents, which presents an easy system for defining your position in a multi-table tournament (MTT). This system is called the M-factor, Magriel's M, often simply called "M" by many players, and is based on the following formula:
M = stack / (SB + BB + Antes)
This formula indicates how many orbits you could
survive without playing a single hand. The formula, as seen above,
simply divides your stack size by the amount of chips in the pot before
any action takes place. This approach gives you a better impression of
where your stack stands in a MTT and uses the small blind and antes in
addition than just defining your position in terms of BBs (as you might
in SNGs).
Never look at your M as an isolated value, but rather in relationship
to the other players' M. Whereas you should play slightly more
aggressive with an M of 8 when the other players have an average M of
7, your play will change when the average M is 30 to your M of 8.
Short-handed tournaments (3 to 6 players) require an adjusted M, called the effective M, shown by the following formula:
Effective M = M * (players / 10)
The effective M is better suited when short-handed because the orbits whip around much faster, thus accelerating the rate by which your already dwindling chip stack falls. Theoretically, the M and effective M are the same thing. In full ring MTTs, the Effective M is just null as 10 players/10 = 1 and simply reveals a reflexive calculation.
Harrington defined 5 critical zones and also outlined corresponding strategy depending on your M.
- Green zone: M > = 20
- Yellow zone: 10 < M < 20
- Orange zone: 5 < M < = 10
- Red zone: 1 < = M < = 5
- Dead zone: M < 1
The following paragraphs explain how and why you should play in each zone.
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#1
Koshburger, 29 Jan 10 11:23
ok#2
ctoph13, 27 Feb 10 16:53
ok#3
joseferraz, 17 Mar 10 11:57
ty for the article#4
Rap1d007, 31 Mar 10 11:44
interesting#5
NZSnark, 17 Apr 10 22:13
With the SHC, I would have thought that Axs would have also been included with the suited connectors, or do they really play that badly in comparison?#6
Saite, 30 May 10 20:06
ok. nice. :)#7
36bullets, 11 Nov 10 14:46
question: do you consider a round of antes when computing for 'M'? or just the value of the ante?#8
ScL512, 22 Nov 10 00:59
push fold is.... AWESOME :D I'm using it right now :D#9
sokoi, 11 Dec 10 12:41
After reading both his books it's been a lot easier figuring out at what points in my MTT I should be making moves. M=GOOD ADVICE!! :D#10
bangmesilly, 15 Jan 11 22:06
I recomend Harringtons books to anyone who wants to win regularly on MTTs. Ive never looked back since reading them both ,I would however recomend also reading the super system by Doyle Brunson mixing the two styles is very profitable.#11
belayd, 10 Apr 11 21:21
Just curious, did PS have to pay any royalties to Harrington for paraphrasing the material in his books in this article?Either way, it's solid information that is among the most valuable available on this site, and it saves me having to spend money on the books. Thank you! :)
#12
Gerovit, 06 Aug 11 16:21
Someone should seriously answer questions above, if not what's the point!!!???#13
Gerovit, 06 Aug 11 16:21
By the way article is not one of the finest here...