[SnG Strategy] - Stealing and Blind Steals

[Talking Poker]

As has been said, you're almost always going to get called here. I think KJ is a fine hand to push in with when you are the FIRST one in a pot at this stage of a tourney, but I do NOT think it is an ok hand to push with after a raise, evem if it "looks" like a steal. The only way you get him to fold here is if he was raising with complete junk, which he probably wasn't. Even with 67s, he's probably going to call you because of the pot odds he's getting.

If you want to make your stand and hope to double up, go for it, but I would much rather wait for an unopened pot so I can be the FIRST one to push in, and for ALL my chips (giving the potential caller significantly worse pot odds than this situation yielded).

[Aequitas58]

Thanks for your replies.

From the feedback I'm gathering (here and 2+2) this wasn't a great play. See, the problem I had was that: (1) I felt like this was a steal, and (2) at a minimum, I was calling... so, if I'm going to call - why not raise? It could have possibly gotten him off the hand.

To answer Blibbity's Q:
I thikn the blinds were 100/200/25. I'm not sure exactly. They were high. I was approx 3rd in chips, but 4th and 5th were close behind.

I have 6Max on the brain. Couple that with the fact that I haven't been playing too many SnGs, and here I am re-raising a big stack w/ KJs. LOL.

If anyone else has anything to add, feel free... but I think everything was covered. Good job.

[Windbreaker]

If this was a normal SNG, I would generally fold all the time. With the SNG at Stars, I know I can outplay at least half the field. Meaning, I don't feel like it's necessary to put my money in on a best case scenerio of a pure blind steal. The only hands you can really beat right now is a blind steal, K10s, QJ, and Q10. I don't really see someone raising 3x BB with those types of hands...unless they have done it consistently during the course of the SNG.

I know a lot of players don't like to have less than 5-7 BB, but most of the time you can wait even longer and just outlast everyone that gets desperate.

[PShabi]

For the record,

If it's folded to me on the button, I'm stealing with those hands you mentioned EVERYTIME.

[Talking Poker]

Maybe so, but you're also raising there with premium hands.

[Zybomb]

IMO, I fold here

There is a better than average chance that he is just stealing, however its going to cost you all of your chips to find out.

In addition you (assuming no domination) are at best a 60/40 favorite -- and you will almost definately be called with anything outside of a pure trash -- and there always lies the chance he actually has a legit hand (which in this case he did)

When down to this situation, I really like the First In Rule -- being the first in the pot is more important than your cards. I think once the blinds are this high, you stand to make a lot more money by simply blind stealing (as people will be reluctant to call w/o huge hands -- and chances are you wont run into one of them that often -- , especially when you can still severly damage their stack/take them out) then by taking a chance at a double up here, where you are at best 60/40.

This may be a little tight, but Id fold everything below AQ, or anything lower than 99 in that spot, assuming I still had a stack that was capable of playing, if I needed to double up and take chances Id call with slightly more -- but I still like being the first one in, that way you have two ways to win, take down the blinds/antes or have your hand hold up -- here you only have one

Being the first in Id throw in a steal with hands as weak as mid 1 gap suited connectors, high connectors, any pair, Axs, two paint cards, and half the time with two rags. If I can net one set of blinds per orbit thats the goal in my stacks situation -- and hopefully somewhere along the line find a monster when someone tries it on me.

[badblood44]

Excellent point and one that has proven successful for me as well. Sometimes, I'll even fold to a limp from a big-stack, especially w/KJ. For stealing blinds, I want to be first in all the time.

Also, in the case where there are 2 big stacks, it's a bit easier to pick on the 2nd biggest stack. I realize you weren't in position to do this since the big stack was to your left.

My rationale is that the big stack often times will call your steal attempts since he may have enough chips to warrant a call if he's a bit loose. The second place chip leader will be more hesitant because while he's not currently in 1st, I can guarantee you he's focused on making the money.

2nd place chip position is less likely to risk any his chips on a call unless he has a monster since he feels he can probably wait for 1 or 2 shorter stacks to bust out and get into the money.

[Aequitas58]

Good analysis people.

In the situation above, what would be the first hand that you reraise with?

Any pocket pair?
AJo?
KQs?

[Windbreaker]

If I think I can move in and have a player fold at least 80% of the time - assuming the bb also folds, I would reraise with any two cards.

In your situation, that was highly unlikely due to the pot odds you'll be laying him. If I'm expecting a call in that situation, I want to expect to be a 2:1 or better favorite the majority of the time. Which means I would never call with king high.

So in your situation, I would probably go all in with AA-TT, AKs, and AQs. It still depends on the blind levels the number of players to the money and the chip stacks of everyone.

[Aequitas58]

You wouldn't go all-in w/ AKo? If not, I think you're playing way too tight. OR, I'm completely missing something.

Anyone else?

[Windbreaker]

opps...forgot about that hand...but I wouldn't reraise all in with anything else but maybe 99. You're not at a point where you have to make a move....but I'm more patient than others.

[Aequitas58]

Yea I know what you mean ... keep in mind, this is a Turbo SnG.