A look at push/fold strategies in Texas Hold’em Sit-and-Go tournaments

Bob
Published by:
Posted on: June 4, 2020 10:27 pm EDT

S-n-G events are often not played the same as cash games

When playing Texas Hold’em tournaments, there are strategies that can bring major benefits during specific times. For instance, a basic skill for players in multi-table or Sit-and-Go (S-n-G) tournaments is the push/fold strategy, which means you either go all-in or fold in a hand. This action is used mostly when poker tournaments have fewer players remaining and you are in the money or nearly there. It is also useful for when you have a short stack at any given time during a tournament.

If you have a small stack, even if you are not close or in the money, you can still take advantage of the push/strategy. To build your stack up again you should be looking for opportunities to either force a fold or get calls when you go all in or just bail instead when there is nothing worth playing. However, if you are tempted to call to see a flop when you are somewhere in the middle, don’t do it.

One of the biggest mistakes a player can make while playing a tournament is to call just to see if the flop will bring you something better, and it’s even worse if you don’t have a good hand nor a big stack. Players who use the push/fold strategy successfully see their games more efficient. This action is simpler because it doesn’t involve spending time thinking about how much to raise or if calling is an option instead, or any actions post-flop.

This is a major weapon when you use it in the right way and at the right time. Be careful and selective with how you apply this skill; most players do it either too early in a tournament or before the stack size can most likely give you the desired result.