If you play SNG Tournaments at at one of the larger online
poker sites then the multi-table grinders will be familiar to
you. These players sit at 8, 12 or even more tables using a
robotic ‘super tight early’ then ‘push all-in late’ strategy to
grind out a profit from the games. While these players win money
over time their strategy is also easy to exploit. This article
shows you 5 ways in which you can profit from multi-table SNG
grinders at various stages of
online poker SNG tournaments.
#1 – Stealing Blinds
Multi-table grinders will fold almost every hand during the early stages of a Sit n go tournament. Take advantage of this by regularly stealing their blinds with a wide variety of holdings. You can even raise a smaller amount than usual, since these players are unlikely to play without a monster. Blind stealing from later position is extremely valuable during the middle stages of the tournament.
#2 – Stealing Position
The tendency of grinders to play only the best hands can also be used to steal the button from them. With 1 or more of these players to your left you can raise as if you already hold the button yourself. In the (rare) event that you face a re-raise then you have an easy fold – the multi-table SNG grinder has a big hand and position on you.
#3 – Transparent Hand Ranges
Playing only the best hands during the early to middle stages makes reading the holdings of these players straight forward. For example a raise from early position at a full table is often JJ+ AQs+, while a 3-bet is likely to be even stronger. When the circumstances are right you can profitably set-mine against the grinders from position – safe in the knowledge that their likely range will pay you off at least one large bet those times you hit.
#4 – Tight Bubble Calling Ranges
Multi-tabling SNG grinders are often bubble-play experts and employ ICM SNG strategy to profit from opponents mistakes. One of the central strategy concepts in poker ICM is that you need a far stronger hand to call with than to push all-in. In turn this means that these players are unlikely to call your bubble all-ins without a very strong hand. You have an opportunity at the bubble to steal blinds easily from these opponents, make sure you take it – but remember that they will adjust to your looser range after a couple of ‘pushes’.
#5 – Loose Bubble All-In Ranges
Conversely, grinders will exploit the bubble by pushing all-in with a looser range than many less experienced players. This strategy can be exploited by those who take the time to study the correct calling ranges against ‘any-2’ or ‘70%’ pushes. Remember that you need more equity than simply having a better hand, however mathematically correct loose calls can often be very profitable.
Check out our list of the best poker sites for sit and go’s.