3 replies to this topic

[rusmac31]

I have a question concerning small stack strategy in tournament play. Here are the parameters:Game: NL Hold'em# of players: Multi Table tournament (say 200+)Small Stack: 10x BB or lessQuestion is this:If you are dealt a premium starting hand (AA, KK, AK) in early position do you1. Limp in pre-flop hoping to get as many callers as possible (for large pot) or hoping for a raise so you can re-raise all-in. Post flop, I'm generally going all-in regardless of what cards are out there. (best case you get many callers and/or raise, worst case you let people see cheap flop and get beat by 7/2 os)2. Go all-in first hoping for a call (best case you get 1 maybe 2 callers, worst case you win small/big blind)My wife and I both play and we've been discussing both strategies. I realize that no one strategy fits all situations, but as a generalization my thoughts are that if I'm small stack and I'm dealt a premium hand, I want to try to win as many chips as possible.I realize that the more players in the hand decrease the probabiblity that AA, KK or AK will hold up, but again I'm thinking that I may not get another premium hand for awhile and I don't want to be blinded to death.Therefore, rather than limit the field, I want as big a pot as possible.I'd like to read anyone's thoughts, or Smash, if you need more info let me know (yes, while your delivery is a bit direct, I think your opinions add value to the forum and I would definitely appreciate your thoughts)

[BetItAll33]

I think that this generally depends on the texture of the table and the chip stacks. If pots are being raised preflop very consistently, then limping here isn't a terrible play. If you have a high stacked bully at the table, for instance, then limping may be appropriate. However, I would prefer to raise here. It doesn't have to be all in, but regardless you are committed to the pot. I think that with a premium hand like aces, there is an optimum number of callers and I would put that number around 3. Many will disagree and contend that with AA you want as many callers as possible, but in tournament play, I disagree. I prefer to avoid marginal situations and I would generally prefer to be a favorite (>50%) against the entire field, not just against each player individually. Pot odds lose weight as a tournament wears on. Just my humble opinion.

[FOOSE1]

I think you sorta answered your own question. There are pros and cons to both ways. All-in preflop may just get you the blinds. All-in after the flop may lose you the hand with a draw. I would say if the table is loose go all-in pre-flop. If it is tight raise it to 4xbb to hopefully get out all the mediocre hands (knowing you are almost pot committing yourself anyway). Either way your going all-in, it just depends on how much you want to gamble of being out-drawn.

[JFarrell20]

Go all in. Here's why: You are short-stacked, and in early position...this means you are about to get hit by the blinds again. Most people in your position here will move in with Ace-anything or any pair. Pushing in right here is a classic case. You will get a caller. Trust me. Maybe you'll get two callers? Maybe you'll get a caller, then a guy behind him moves over the top, and the original caller folds? Even better.The point is, nobody would ever suspect you of having the pre-flop nuts here. if you just double the BB, in early position, that stinks. Everyone may fold. I'm serious. Wouldn't that suck... If you just call, you will have several callers who may flop two pair on the flop then you'll pretty much be on the course for disaster. Best option: Push all in. Get at least a caller, double up, and be prepared to hear a lot of "Oh my god, why did you push all in, moron! Everyone could have folded... you suck"...while you are stacking your chips. 8) PS: Hopefully WRTO is playing in this tournament and is in late position and is the chip leader. He will call you with Q 10 off. Mark my words.