Quick Tips for Tournaments
21 January 2010
Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments play differently than other live cash online poker games. For those new to the tournament format, here are few things to keep in mind that might help you advance in the tournament.
1. Be very careful about calling a big bet. It’s much safer to assume that the bettor has a very strong hand and is not on a bluff. Calling big bets is a quick way to lose your chips, and once they’re gone, your tournament is over.
2. When it comes to bluffing, seldom and selectivity are the best guidelines. The use of bluffing in poker online is over-rated and it is hard to successfully do. Bluffing needs to be set up and executed based on careful observation of the table and its players. Unlike a cash game, you can’t reach into your pocket for money to buy more chips. In a tournament every chip you put out can bring you closer to going out.
3. When you do bet, make it a strong one. By putting out a big bet, you gain fold equity because everyone might fold to your bet. Certainly it will narrow the field of contenders. A weak bet is going to get called or even raised. When you bet, act strong – don’t invite bullies to raise you, unless of course, you know you have the nuts.
