SNG theory

[RyckyRych]

Originally Posted by Doc_H

Oh ok! So basically it's a smaller tournament just waiting for seats to be filled. I initially thought there were different table break dynamics involved. Overthinking!

Back to theory:

Bubble theory... meaning taking advantage of people tightening up right around bubble time by playing a wider range or adapting more ICM strategy?

Leverage... meaning first-in vigorish?

You pretty much have the right idea on these. There are going to be times you have to tighten your range on the bubble, it all depends on your situation. In a SNG with 4 left there are times where I will fold well over 50% of my hands in a blind vs blind situation and other times where I'd shove napkins. This would also be a great leverage spot, in particular when you have the chiplead and the short stack has already folded.

Leverage can be first-in vigorish, or it can be first all-in vigorish. There are often situations that you can put an opponent in a bad spot by coming over the top of him if he limps or even makes a raise, especially on the bubble of a long MTT and you have good evidence he could be stealing the blinds/raising light. Often he'll not be able to call without a huge holding when you resteal like this.

The two ideas are related, you usually gain leverage due to ICM being in your favor.

[EddieRich]

Originally Posted by Harald Zone

If you have a set, you got to go down in flames or up in glory. The meek cannot win in sngs.

If I have a set and the board is suited, I could be up against a flush. Better to try and read my opponent and figure out if he might have the flush, and if so fold.

Another thing to remember is you can't lose what you don't put in the pot. It's got nothing to do with being meek. Sometimes a fold is the best strategy.

[RyckyRych]

Originally Posted by EddieRich

If I have a set and the board is suited, I could be up against a flush. Better to try and read my opponent and figure out if he might have the flush, and if so fold.

Maybe in a deep-stacked MTT you might have to consider this, but folding a set to a 3-flush board would be a mistake unless the guy shows you the flush... and even then it might be a bad idea due to pot odds. Remember, even if you are behind you'd still have 7 outs on the turn and 10 outs on the river to hit your boat/quads. Also, especially in the lower buy-in SNGs, you'll be surprised how often you'll be up against either TPTK (crushing your opponent) and/or a naked ace of the suit on board (where you are still ahead and favored to win).

If we are talking about a decision on the river... this is where reads are going to be important. Getting to a cheap showdown would be ideal but I know it doesn't always play out that way.

Originally Posted by EddieRich

Another thing to remember is you can't lose what you don't put in the pot. It's got nothing to do with being meek. Sometimes a fold is the best strategy.

I agree... especially around the bubble. While there are going to be times you'll need to make a stand there are plenty more where folding is going to be +EV in a SNG.