So, you’ve taken your shot in a fair number of tourneys and maybe you’ve even cashed in a few times. But, you’re still one step away from making the final table and collecting some of the big cash. You’ve perfected the poker rookie’s tourney technique, now let’s take it up a notch. (Can’t understand poker jargon? Here’s a good poker glossary.)

Early tournament strategy

If you think you have the best hand, let your opponents think they have you beat and let them start the betting. This is slow-playing, of course. Once you’ve seen the river and you still think you’ve got your opponent beat, come out betting and hope your opponent feeds your pot. If you’re not sure that you’re holding the best hand at the table, don’t give that information away. Be aggressive (not insanely aggressive though) and try to steal the pot with a well-timed bet. Being aggressive is a good thing but if your opponent comes back at you with a raise, get out of the hand. Never pay to see if your opponent is attempting a bluff.

Middle tourney strategy

Most of the fish and bad players are gone by now, but watch out for those lucky stragglers who could bust you with a bad play that turns out to be a very lucky play. If you’re holding a strong hand after the flop, force your opponent to pay to play. Never give away that free card on the turn unless you’re sure you have the nuts. Giving that free card could be giving away the hand. Don’t bluff too much. If you end up getting called on a bluff at this level, you’re likely going down. Don’t go on tilt. If you’re chugging along and suddenly get ripped by a bad beat or a bluff, keep your cool. If you go on tilt, your stack will be in big trouble.

The final table

You’ve finally made it and have the big money in your sights. Try and throw in some semi-bluffs when the betting is low, or everyone’s in the mood to check. You’ll be able to steal a few pots like this, and if you hit one of your outs you could be in for a nice payday. Watch out for raises or check-raises when you’re semi-bluffing. Calling this is usually a big mistake. Pay close attention to chip-stack size at this point. If you have more chips than your opponents, use your chip power to push them around with larger-than-normal bets. If you have a good hand, don’t be afraid to bet the size of the smallest stack at the table. If a small stack goes all-in, make sure you have a great hand before calling. The short stack will hardly ever bluff this late in the tourney.

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