e_fermat
02-02-2005, 06:42 PM
Everybody here uses a strategy of increasing aggression as play progresses towards the bubble and the blinds increase. Now, from what I've read previously, most people tend to use a strategy of a standard 3BB raise with a wide range of hands, this way your KK and JTs raises look the same and it makes it more difficult for opponents to put you on a range of hands. This all seems reasonable and is generally quite effective.
Recently, I've been experimenting with a different approach in situations where I've doubled up at some point and have a good sized stack to throw around. Instead of the 3BB raise when it comes time to start stealing (say 50/100 on Stars), I vary this from a min-raise to 5BB raise in proportion to the strength of my hand (this is why it can only be done with a deep stack since otherwise a 5BB raise will always pot commit you). So say a min-raise with a low-PP, a 5BB raise with AKs. This continues until I've shown down my hand at least 2 or 3 times. Then, at which point blinds are probably 100/200, I completely reverse my strategy and min-raise monsters and heavily raise all sorts of junk. Basically, hoping my opponents have clued into my raise variance, I now want to use it against them so I can more easily get-reraised while holding monsters and increase the fold equity of my junk. Anecdotecally, I think this has been working well although I haven't tracked my results in these SNG's where I've been able to apply this. Certainly with a deep stack I'm finishing in the money often anyways but I am fairly sure it has improved my ITM and distribution of high finishes even more. Or perhaps it just feels extra good to be re-raised holding AA or watching people fold to a 5BB raise with 97o.
Any thoughts on this? Mostly this has been used on the 55's at stars.
Recently, I've been experimenting with a different approach in situations where I've doubled up at some point and have a good sized stack to throw around. Instead of the 3BB raise when it comes time to start stealing (say 50/100 on Stars), I vary this from a min-raise to 5BB raise in proportion to the strength of my hand (this is why it can only be done with a deep stack since otherwise a 5BB raise will always pot commit you). So say a min-raise with a low-PP, a 5BB raise with AKs. This continues until I've shown down my hand at least 2 or 3 times. Then, at which point blinds are probably 100/200, I completely reverse my strategy and min-raise monsters and heavily raise all sorts of junk. Basically, hoping my opponents have clued into my raise variance, I now want to use it against them so I can more easily get-reraised while holding monsters and increase the fold equity of my junk. Anecdotecally, I think this has been working well although I haven't tracked my results in these SNG's where I've been able to apply this. Certainly with a deep stack I'm finishing in the money often anyways but I am fairly sure it has improved my ITM and distribution of high finishes even more. Or perhaps it just feels extra good to be re-raised holding AA or watching people fold to a 5BB raise with 97o.
Any thoughts on this? Mostly this has been used on the 55's at stars.