Shootout Strategy

[Reel Deal]

This was a bit different from the normal set-up as we started with only 46 so the first table was only 6 players. I've been playing a lot of 6-max SnGs lately so I was comfortable with that set-up. Basically at the first table I played "ABC poker" pushing hard with good hands and getting paid off. Didn't try to make any plays or run any bluffs since there were a number of bad players who were going to call you down.

At the FT I played very tight for the first several orbits just so I could get a read on the playing styles of the rest of the players. Once I saw who the loose players were I tried to isolate them when I had a strong starting hand. I also made metal notes as to which players were good enough to be able to laydown a hand to a scary board (which helped me a lot when I ran that bluff when we were 3-handed).

Overall I'd say I played tight when each table started, played "ABC poker" once there were 2-3 players eliminated and then became increasingly aggro once we were 3-4 handed (open raising with A-any, K-any, suited connectors, two high cards, any PP). However, unlike my game in the past I did a much better job of "stepping off the gas" when someone showed real strength. I really have to credit reading the short-table and HU sections in Harrington's vol. 2 for improving my game in those situations. If people haven't read those sections I highly recommend them.