Winning online tournaments

[imported_Dozer]

I'm a three-year veteran of playing online. I'm good but haven't been able to turn the corner on boosting my bankroll (I'm at +$1,000). Part of the problem is that I don't play enough (up to 8 hours/week).

My passion is for online tourneys. In my life, not including SNGs, I've won three tourneys (Stud H/L, NL and FL) and cashed in maybe 15 more (including a big prize in a NL tourney). I'm good at them, but I want to get better.

I'm looking for tips for playing online tournaments. I play a lot at PokerStars, so if you have any Stars-specific advice, I'd be appreciative. I also have PokerTracker but don't have all my hands uploaded yet.

Thanks in advance.

[PokerChamp22]

This has been discussed a lot, check the search feature and look in the archives.

Play good drawing hands early, small pairs for set value, don't risk 2 many chips early, lots of crazy moves happen with more people (fish) in. That being said, don't be afraid to be aggressive with monster draws on the flop (flush and 2 overs, etc.).

When blinds start getting to decent level, mix in some blind steals to stay ahead of the game. Steal from late position, middle position. UTG/ early position steals are risky with the whole table left to act.

Switch gears when the table gets tight (bubble time), gather up some chips and work your way up.

In the money, people start going for big moves (trying to move up or bust since they have some money now), sit back a bit and wait for a hand.

[jvphish]

youve only made a grand in 3 years?

[revots33]

Have you read Harrington on Holdem Books 1&2 yet? If not you should.

[meow_meow]

Maybe I'll get flamed in this forum, but ring games and SNGs are where the steady money is made.

[imported_Dozer]

[ QUOTE ]
youve only made a grand in 3 years?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep. Started my first year losing $800, then won it all back plus another $1,000 over the next two years (I consider 2005 to be year 3).

Was thinking about getting both HoH books ... any other recommendations for those?

More advice welcome. Thanks.

[Luke]

youve only made a grand in 3 years?

Yeah, that's a pretty good accomplishment by the original poster when you consider that the vast majority of poker players, "serious" or otherwise, are in the red for their lifetime.

Nice work Dozer - and you've come to right place to help improve your game and add to your success. Good luck.

Luke

[TheBlueMonster]

Obviously. The odds of you making any type of real money in a tourney is far worse than a SNG of ring game. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[barry111]

[ QUOTE ]
Have you read Harrington on Holdem Books 1&2 yet? If not you should.

[/ QUOTE ]

These are the best poker books on the market.

and good job on the results. I lost ten or eleven $50 buyins on PokerStars before I started reading these fourms and became a winning player.

[HeroInBlack]

Harrington on Hold 'Em I is required reading.

Tournament Poker for Advanced Players is very good, too.

Other than that, do a search. eMarkM had an awesome post a few months ago that you should try to find.