Post by Randy C on Jun 29, 2007 9:12:29 GMT -4
If you're one of the lucky ones to get to the final table then you will want to be in a prime position to take it the distance. It is an awesome feeling to get there, but many poker players simply don't have the skills to play the final table and the reason why is because they rarely make it to that point. Well, here's a secret tip that may help you take down your own final table soon!
I play the final table just like I would play a STT or sit and go. First, you MUST create a table image and make a statement as soon as you have the opportunity. As an aggressive player, I like to demonstrate to my fellow final tablists that if they go in with me, they are going to pay. I will make it VERY expensive for them to see another card. With that in mind, many opponents simply will not put their money in with me unless they have a good hand...The advantage for me, when I make a stab at the pot...I'll likely take it down w/o going to showdown.
At the same time you are waiting to make that statement, you need to be sizing up your competition: Who can you put your money in against? Who plays what and how do they bet it? Who can I steal from? Who is likely to put me all in? These are all questions that you need to be asking yourself to have any chance of winning a FT!
Here's my best advice...and I teach this to my students on the very first day of poker class: "Let them make the mistakes..." While you're sitting pretty with a mountain of chips, let the others at the table make the mistakes...and they surely will. Eventually, people will step into a pile of crap if you sit back and let them. The more hands you play, the more mistakes you will make...Trust me...we're all susceptible to it.
When the FT gets down to the last 3 people is when you have to play your "A" game. I play the final 3 VERY aggressively. I take control where possible...Often taking the lead in betting and trying to throw my weight around and pushing the action. It's extremely important that you pay close attention to any cards that go to showdown so that you know the types of cards your opponents will play at this stage. You will want to put your money in against those people who bet with anything. Pick your spot and slam them...Go for broke!
When the action is down to you and another opponent, again...take control...Don't let them control the action because you will be out of your comfort zone. If they bet, RAISE! If they raise, RERAISE! You must....MUST utilize the psychological edge to YOUR advantage. If you find yourself with a premium hand at this point, don't be afraid to go ALL IN. Force your opponent to make the tough decisions.
I hope you find yourself on the final table [shadow=red,left,300]MANY[/shadow] times!
Good Luck!
All In,
Randy C~
I play the final table just like I would play a STT or sit and go. First, you MUST create a table image and make a statement as soon as you have the opportunity. As an aggressive player, I like to demonstrate to my fellow final tablists that if they go in with me, they are going to pay. I will make it VERY expensive for them to see another card. With that in mind, many opponents simply will not put their money in with me unless they have a good hand...The advantage for me, when I make a stab at the pot...I'll likely take it down w/o going to showdown.
At the same time you are waiting to make that statement, you need to be sizing up your competition: Who can you put your money in against? Who plays what and how do they bet it? Who can I steal from? Who is likely to put me all in? These are all questions that you need to be asking yourself to have any chance of winning a FT!
Here's my best advice...and I teach this to my students on the very first day of poker class: "Let them make the mistakes..." While you're sitting pretty with a mountain of chips, let the others at the table make the mistakes...and they surely will. Eventually, people will step into a pile of crap if you sit back and let them. The more hands you play, the more mistakes you will make...Trust me...we're all susceptible to it.
When the FT gets down to the last 3 people is when you have to play your "A" game. I play the final 3 VERY aggressively. I take control where possible...Often taking the lead in betting and trying to throw my weight around and pushing the action. It's extremely important that you pay close attention to any cards that go to showdown so that you know the types of cards your opponents will play at this stage. You will want to put your money in against those people who bet with anything. Pick your spot and slam them...Go for broke!
When the action is down to you and another opponent, again...take control...Don't let them control the action because you will be out of your comfort zone. If they bet, RAISE! If they raise, RERAISE! You must....MUST utilize the psychological edge to YOUR advantage. If you find yourself with a premium hand at this point, don't be afraid to go ALL IN. Force your opponent to make the tough decisions.
I hope you find yourself on the final table [shadow=red,left,300]MANY[/shadow] times!
Good Luck!
All In,
Randy C~