Low blind short handed play

_Anonymous_

26.07.2009, 16:25 0

Hi, I've somewhat recently started playing SnGs, currently playing $1.20s at stars (will move up as soon as BR allows because of high rake...)

I've been sticking to the starting hand charts and ICM, but one situation which shows up a lot at this level is that some people bust out fairly early and it is down to something like 3-5 players each with ~20bb-30bb stacks. The charts advocate playing quite tight which works well when the blinds don't come around often but when this happens I find I start losing chips fairly quickly. I try to adapt to the situation and find out what works against specific opponents, but I have a few questions:

1. Does this situation become less common once I move up a couple levels where there aren't as many idiots that go all-in first hand no matter what, or anytime they see a face card?

2. The blind structure is pretty slow (I used to play some turbos at full-tilt where this wasn't a problem) - would you recommend I play turbos at first so I don't have to deviate from the basic/bronze strategy content?

3. Are there any specific recommendations you have for playing in this situation?

Thanks!

5 replies

Anssi

Joined: 03.07.2008

Posts: 1,487

29.07.2009, 20:18 0

1. Yes
2. You have larger edge at normal sng's at those levels.
3. Do exactly what you are already doing, adapt. You still should be bit tighter than the average player, because they are often too loose.

Oh btw, I recommend playing the double or nothings instead of normal sit and goes especially at low levels, the players are so bad it's not even funny. You can (and should) play only AA/KK before 75/150 (ok, you can play QQ, JJ maybe AKs at 25/50+) and let the idiots bust each other out. At 75/150 you can start pushing from late, people still can way too loose there, but you have to get some chips so push still pretty tight.

Everytime you see 0 showdowns you have won. Remember that. Calling is very wrong, often correct calling range is KK+. There are many bubble situations where you should even fold AA even though villain is pushing 100%.

sassmoj: i cant win a hand.
playboy99999: try to get it in with the best hand

_Anonymous_

02.08.2009, 20:12 0

Too answer question 1: yes they dont do that nearly as often as on micro BUT they are much harder to play against, it's the peopel that go all in with crap that you wanna play against.

Alverine

Joined: 31.01.2009

Posts: 1,218

03.08.2009, 06:52 0

Originally posted by Anssi
1. Yes
2. You have larger edge at normal sng's at those levels.
3. Do exactly what you are already doing, adapt. You still should be bit tighter than the average player, because they are often too loose.

Oh btw, I recommend playing the double or nothings instead of normal sit and goes especially at low levels, the players are so bad it's not even funny. You can (and should) play only AA/KK before 75/150 (ok, you can play QQ, JJ maybe AKs at 25/50+) and let the idiots bust each other out. At 75/150 you can start pushing from late, people still can way too loose there, but you have to get some chips so push still pretty tight.

Everytime you see 0 showdowns you have won. Remember that. Calling is very wrong, often correct calling range is KK+. There are many bubble situations where you should even fold AA even though villain is pushing 100%.

What!? I never fold AA in a regular sng. Ok, maybe with 3 all-ins when it is 4 handed

_Anonymous_

03.08.2009, 09:22 0

Even with 3 allins when 4-handed I'd call with Aces, to improve my chances for first place, where the reward is much bigger than 2nd/3rd.

In a DoN I am pretty sure you still would call with aces, but you have to fold KK even against villain pushing any two.

Anssi

Joined: 03.07.2008

Posts: 1,487

03.08.2009, 21:11 0

My advice was for DoNs. And yes, there are many spots where you fold AA.

For example stacks are:

4000 (You)
4000
3000
2000
1000
1000

It is not profitable to go All-in preflop with other big stacks with AA.

sassmoj: i cant win a hand.
playboy99999: try to get it in with the best hand

[Closed] Low blind short handed play