How to become a Tourney master

Rahul P Gopal

Rahul P Gopal

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Want to Win More Poker Tournaments? Here's a Strategy to Up Your Game!**

Hey CardsChat crew! Tired of falling short in poker tournaments despite knowing the basics? Let’s dive into a solid strategy that can boost your chances of cashing and even snagging that top spot more often.

**1. Early Game: Play Tight and Observe**
In the early rounds, your stack and blinds allow you to be selective. Focus on *premium hands* and watch how your opponents play. Take notes mentally — who’s aggressive, who folds too much, who chases? Patience here sets you up for success later.

**2. Middle Game: Switch Gears and Apply Pressure**
Once the blinds rise, it’s time to loosen up—start *opening more hands* and look for spots to steal blinds and antes, especially from tight players. But don’t get reckless! Keep reading players and fold when the situation is tough. This phase is where your adaptability shines.

**3. Late Game & Bubble Play: Exploit Fear and Tightness**
Near the bubble (when players are close to money), many tighten up to avoid busting out early. Use this to your advantage—*attack those wary stacks* with well-timed raises and steals. But watch for the big stacks who might want to bully you back.

**4. Final Table: Focus on Stack Sizes and Table Dynamics**
At the final table, every move counts. Know your stack relative to others. Play aggressively against medium stacks with comfortable chips but be cautious facing the huge stacks who can pressure you endlessly. Reading body language and betting patterns now matter more than ever.

**5. Mental Game: Stay Cool and Manage Your Energy**
Poker tournaments test endurance. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and don’t let emotions dictate your play. Whether you're winning or losing, focus on decisions, not results.

***

**What’s your take?** How do you adjust your strategy during different tournament stages? Have you got any go-to moves or tips that worked wonders? Drop your questions and suggestions below — let’s share and learn how to crush those tourneys!

***
 
ironduke11

ironduke11

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solid advice, also dont beat yourself up to badly if it doesnt go to formula
this type of play will put you in the best standing 85% of the time....forthat15% you need some more gears....a few bluffs a few mad all ins...
 
Rahul P Gopal

Rahul P Gopal

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solid advice, also dont beat yourself up to badly if it doesnt go to formula
this type of play will put you in the best standing 85% of the time....forthat15% you need some more gears....a few bluffs a few mad all ins...
Thanks and Yeah, bluffs would definitely aid the winning percentage.
 
dannystanks

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Great general advice for tournament play. I would add that we don’t necessarily have to wait for the middle of the tournament to start switching gears, we should start opening up our range as soon as the big blind antees kick in, now there is more to win, if we wait too long then it’s just too nitty and we misss opportunities. Also we should always be aware of ours and our opponents stack sizes, this is critical durning play at all phases of the tournament. Constantly adjust to our opponents always, and have fun!
 
najisami

najisami

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solid advice, also dont beat yourself up to badly if it doesnt go to formula
this type of play will put you in the best standing 85% of the time....forthat15% you need some more gears....a few bluffs a few mad all ins...
Thanks and Yeah, bluffs would definitely aid the winning percentage.

Yeah, but aren't bluffs included in part 2, and especially in part 3?
 
Rahul P Gopal

Rahul P Gopal

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Indeed, but the term ‘bluff’ was missing there 😁😁
 
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