6 Max Tournaments at the
best SNG poker sites online
are hugely popular, and feature buy-ins to suit all bankrolls –
starting at cents and going into the $1000’s.
With many opponents failing to adjust to the strategy nuances of the short-handed game there is plenty of scope for profits for the thinking poker player. This article covers 5 key elements to profitable 6-max SNG strategy that you can start benefiting from today.
#1 – Blind Pressure
It seems obvious to say that blinds come around the table faster in a short-handed SNG game. However, players should not overlook the profound effects this has on your strategy, and the knock-on effects throughout the game. More times in the blinds necessitate playing weaker starting hands than in a full-ring tournament. Because players know that others needs to ‘raise light’ the hands which they call or re-raise with become weaker. Meaning more pots are contested by smaller hands in a 6-max SNG tournament.
#2 – Position
With only 5 opponents behind, the first players to act at a short table can raise without too much concern about running into monster holdings. Once one or two opponents have busted the small amount of opponents and reasonably deep stacks make a very wide variety of hands playable. What is more the button becomes a bigger asset than at a full ring table, since opponents are playing more hands and will flop holdings which can stand pressure relatively infrequently.
#3 – Post Flop Play
In a full-ring SNG tournament it is possible to stay super-tight early and maintain your stack into the push / fold portion of the tournament. When playing short-handed SNG tournaments the combination of higher blind pressure and fewer opponents lead to more post-flop confrontations. Ensuring that you keep notes on your opponent’s post flop tendencies and developing some basic hand reading skills can make your play more profitable here. Bear in mind that the relatively higher number of post-flop decisions makes multi-tabling 6-max SNGs more difficult than full-ring games.
#4 – Bubble Pressure
With 2 people getting called, the bubble comes when there are 3 players remaining. This means that you will be in one or the other of the blinds 2/3rds of the time, compared to half for a 4-person bubble. Tight play here will see you blind away very quickly indeed. Positive and aggressive play is even more important at the bubble in a 6-max tournament, make sure you are the one forcing your opponents to make tough decisions – and not the other way around.
#5 – Unexploitable Heads-Up Play
When you reach the money you will usually have locked up 1/3rd of the prize pool each – and be playing for the remaining 1/3rd. When deep stacked or when you feel you have an edge over your opponent heads up then it is time to start exploiting their tendencies (raising often if they are too tight and resealing against looser opponents). However, if you feel heads-up play is not your strong point then the ‘SAGE’ system can help you prevent opponents take advantage. This is a simple system which assigns points to card combinations and will immediately make you unexploitable to your opponent.