step 3 strategy

[Dominic]

assuming that a step 3 2-table SGN requires a markedly different strategy than a normal SNG because of it's payout structure, what would they be? and how would it change depending on how many people were left?

step 3 payout:

1-6 - freeoll into setp 4
7-9 - try again at step 3
10-12 - loop back to step 2
13 - $35 cash
14-20 - out

any thoughts?

[The4Aces]

i think if you get a big stack at first than dont play much except top 5-10 hands.

[adanthar]

If you don't double up or more early, you have to steal enough from 11-13 to survive to 10. Find the tight stacks and pick on them. In general, don't be afraid to reraise all in with small pockets or medium kings/aces/QJs type hands; you'll get more folds than usual. Otherwise, play it like the bubble of an SNG.

Once you get to 10, as long as you're not *the* shortest stack, don't play a hand until 9.

Once you hit 9 - or better yet, 8 - make sure you're not *the* shortest stack again. At that point, find the 4-6 people autofolding everything (hint: not the biggest stack who can afford to call two or three all ins) and raise all in enough to be on the safe side.

If you have queens, are in the middle four or so chipwise, and there's a raise in front, turbomuck.