Single table tournaments or STTs have been a mainstay in the online poker scenario. These tournaments are a type of Sit & Go tournament in which players play on a single table. There is no specific time for starting the tournament. A Sit & Go tournament starts only when all the seats at a table are filled. STTs are played on a single table, unlike other Sit & Go tourneys where games played on multiple tables run simultaneously.
When playing a 9-player STT, the first position typically goes home with 50% of the total prize pool, followed by 30% for the second place, and 20% for the third place respectively. Players get 1500 chips each to play the tourney. The blinds are automatically increased after every 10 minutes.
Playing the early and middle phases
A poker game is characterized by specific a strategy being employed by each player on the table. Even so, there are many tips that a player could use to enhance their gameplay. Great players adapt themselves according to the variables at play.
The early phase of a STT allows you to remove some changeable factors. Players start at the same footing, with equal stacks and almost no information about the game play of other players on the table. Low blinds during early stages of the game also ensure that you don’t lose out very early into the game. The tips given below can be followed to have a steady start to the game.
- Play very tight during the early phases
- Avoid bluffing
- Avoid slow play
- Ensure you don’t go into check-raises.
Once you have maneuvered the early stages successfully, it’s time to get a better hold on the table and increase your stack size. To play the middle stages, you can follow the tips given below.
- The lower your stack, the more aggressive the game play: If you find yourself in a position with stack size lesser than 10 big blinds, then you are not in a position to wait for great hands. Instead, you have to raise or go all in for a wide variety of hands. This will help you stay in track and each the bubble stages.
- Pot commitment: If you have raised for about one-third of your total stack, then you should be ready to move all in if someone else calls or raises. Once you commit so much of your stack, you are in no position to turn back. As such, it is advisable to move all in pre-flop, rather than raising to a big amount.
- Stack sizes: Always try to play against players with smaller stacks than you, and avoid the table bullies.
Surviving the bubble play
You enter the bubble stage when the number of players still on the table is one more than the number of paid places. In general, the top three players are paid in STTs, so you will find yourself in the bubble stage if you have made it into the last 4. The player who gets eliminated in the “bubble” leaves with no prize money.
The bubble stage not only determines if you are eligible to be paid, but is also instrumental in ensuring that you have a decent sized stack going into the final stages of the game. Once the bubble has been burst, the seated players are guaranteed to get some profit on their initial investment. To successfully navigate the bubble stage, you should:
- Play tight
- Push with greater frequency when playing first
- Push tightly when playing against larger stacks
- Concentrate on attacking players with similar stacks as you
You should also consider your stack size during this stage. When playing as the big stack, avoid head-to-head hands with players with similar stacks as you. Beware of big stacks if you are playing as a medium stack. When short stacked, you should play like medium stacked whenever you go all in, and always call as a big stack.
Going for the win
If you have made it through all the stages discussed above, then you are sure to go home with some return. As such, your aim should now be to win the tourney comprehensively. You have to adjust your strategy for a final time and go for the win. The following guidelines can be followed when there are less than 4 players on the table.
- Play for the first position, settle for the last
- Avoid relaxing
- Keep track of stack sizes
If you are the big stack in the final stages, make use of your position to apply pressure on other players with raises. When medium stacked, play selectively. If a player with shorter stack then you is playing tight, then bully him or her. If you have the shortest stack, then play as aggressive as you can to double up on your stack.
Final word
STTs are a great way of making money with a small investment and relatively less expenditure of time. The equality of the stacks ensures that everyone starts at the same point, and from thereon it’s all about how you play the hands. As discussed, navigating the early and middle stages, then surviving the bubble, and finally being the top positioned player requires a lot of concentration and intelligent game play. Poker is more a game of skill than a game of luck and you will do well if you are backed with strong knowledge about the game.