MTT Early Level Strategies

[jslag]

Having not yet read any of NL tournament books out there, I'm curious what basic strategy I can employ early on in tournaments.

What are your general starting hand requirements? Do you play very tight in early levels, or do you loosen up since many players tend to be playing too tight early on?

My feeling is that you need to be patient, but at the same time you have try and accumulate chips for later rounds if you want a chance to win the tournament. This involves taking risks early on with perhaps only TPTK, right?

I think I play too tight in early rounds, because in most MTTs, I end up being short-stacked when the blinds go up to 100/200 or better -- unless I've caught some premium hands or doubled through on someone else's bad play.

Should I be trying to steal smaller pots in early rounds? I guess it's hard to bluff weaker players, so that doesn't seem like a good strategy.

I know the post is somewhat vague, but any pointers from the more experienced tourney players? I'm specifically looking for things I can do in the early levels to improve my chances of winning.

Thanks

j.

[Sam T.]

As another newbie, I'll field this one.

First, have a look at eMarkM's classic post, found here

You might also look at the thread I started here.

You should also start reading Greg Raymer's (Fossilman) posts. Links are here.

That should get you started. Then wait for the fabled 2+2 tournament book, due out in November (I've heard).

P.S. I also liked pokerneal's advice here.

Finally, I would suggest getting your feet wet at Stars or Paradise $1, $3 and $5 tournaments.

Good luck!

[Lurshy]

Those were some nice links. Thanks for taking the time to dig them up. I had some tourney success early on, but haven't been in the money lately, let alone final table...

-Lurshy

[jslag]

Thanks for the links, Sam T.

Finished 13th in a $100+9 today.. would have made the final table if it weren't for a bad beat towards the end. But I'm liking MTTs more and more...

j.