Posted by Padilla 11:10 AM

Staying Sharp –

I had been getting to multi-final tables and the final few spots of SNG tourneys; only to find my game go stale and my stack diminish to a prayerful all-in race. There’s a big difference between 2nd place of a $100 buy-in 6-man tourney ($180) and 1st ($420). I needed to loosen up instead of letting my stack bleed, just to move up 1 or 2 spots. But I was having difficulty deciding what hands were profitable when played short-handed

Turns out, aggression and betting recognition is more important than the cards in short-handed play. Yes, I knew this beforehand, as it stands true in nearly all no-limit scenarios, but knowing when to push and when to hold back is truly an art.

When you feel lost and begin to think that the game is based on more luck than skill, I recommend heads-up contests. UB offers a lot of buy-in levels, while Stars offers a clever 2-round SNG where 4 players pay the entry fee and you play twice if you win round 1, winner-take-all-4-buy-ins. I haven’t played at Party in over a year.

It’s made a big difference in the 10-man SNG's, though I’m sad to report I haven’t been back to any multi-final tables. (Maybe I’m employing short-handed play when there are still full tables!)

I simply have a different mindset when it comes to 2 or 3 players to go. Having played a ton of short handed games recently, I’m much more confident in maneuvering my way into first rather than sitting back and waiting for a pair of 5’s to hold up in a race.

And they’re quick. You don’t need to book an hour of your night to play.

Disclaimer, if the few remaining opponents appear maniacal, I still support laying back and waiting for any small edge that you feel is worth dying for.

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