What are short-handed tournament strategies?

Henry

Regular Poker Communist
 
 
 
 
 
Mar 18, 2024
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Short-handed poker strategies are all about techniques that you can use when playing tourneys with less than 6 players. One of the strategies that one can use is to play aggressively and go all out. Which of the strategies do you always use and why?
 
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Playing 6 max or short handed tourneys involves seeing more hands, and paying blinds faster. You can also learn the opponents your playing against a little better, pick up useful information, and try to outplay them, or play the best hands.

I wouldn't change your game too much if you normally play 8 or 9 player tourneys. Wait for your hands, and pick your spots wisely. More luck involved playing 6 max games in my opinion. I prefer playing 9 max tables.
 
You can, dare I say should, be more aggressive. With fewer players/cards dealt the more strength your hand has. A weak hand like AT or 55 has much more value with fewer cards in play.

I am opening every A or pair and 3 betting them often as well.
 
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You can, dare I say should, be more aggressive. With fewer players/cards dealt the more strength your hand has. A weak hand like AT or 55 has much more value with fewer cards in play.

I am opening every A or pair and 3 betting them often as well.
Chip stacks also come into play when short handed. You need to find good opportunities to double up when short stacked, and maybe shove a few more hands.
 
Short-handed poker tournaments are so exciting! You sure need to adapt so fast. I adopt aggressive play to win, but you need to be careful not to lose too much.