A Suggestion for Early Play in a Holdem Tournament

This suggestion works and will get many players deeper into the tournament than if they just sit and wait for a super starting hand.  The suggestion is this play suited connectors even if they are small value cards.  The reason this works is simple.  The blinds early in the tournament are small and unless you are playing -with some all-in maniac, the wagers to see the flop are not very threatening to the starting stake.  If you get lucky with this starting hand you may have the best of it at the end of the hand as a player with Ace King or such will be sucking wind even if he hits one of these cards on the River.  Your two pair, straight or flush may just win you a huge pot.  Another facet of playing this way early is you can play this way several times and fold.  The small loss of chips is nothing compared with the possible big pot this starting hand may capture.  Remember, many players will only play big cards of pairs.   If you are playing these small cards, the flop may hit you perfectly and give you an unbeatable hand at the end of the deal.

Players that play only big cards early are at a distinct disadvantage as the flops can be lousy for these hands and may well help the small card players.  Watch any TV tournament and look at the starting hands when the blinds are small.

Players like Gus Hansen, Daniel Negreanu and Sam Farha play these kinds of hands early all of the time.  Since these players have a high ratio of tournament success it is wise to watch how they play and learn from them.  Good golfers learn by watching good players.  Poker is the same kind of learning experience without the necessity of physical or athletic skill.  Although when you think about it, maybe mental toughness may be a distinct requirement to become a quality player.

If you try this small card idea, do not give up on it to soon, as one good pot will make you well in one hand.  This is the beauty of this play.  Small losses can be overcome, while big losses may doom your tournament life.  If you win a tournament with this idea, keep it to yourself and do not tell anyone what did it for you.

TagsGus Hansen, how to win, poker cards, poker game, poker players, strategy, tournament

See also

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