Final Table Poker Tournament Strategy

Author: Simon Dexter

It doesn’t matter if it is a small buy-in or a much larger one, reaching the final table in any tournament is a great achievement. Here we look at some final table strategy, hopefully to allow people to make the most of the position they have played well to earn.

The final table usually consists of around nine players. All are guaranteed a prize, though the serious money is usually reserved for the first three places and the big prize obviously for the winner.

First and foremost is the need to check out your opponents and gauge their style of play. You may well have come up against a few of them before in the tournament or know them from previous games. Knowing what you are up against is a huge advantage and allows you to adapt your style of play.

Ease yourself in by observing the dynamics of the table. Is it fast and loose or tight and passive? Whichever way, it is important to try to adapt your game to the situation. In a tight game you may want to attack and steal plenty of the blinds while at a loose table it could be more prudent to wait for others to knock each other out. Every loser means your prize gets bigger and you are closer to the winner’s enclosure.

Much of your strategy will depend on your stack size. Don’t be too scared by having a small cash supply as things can change rapidly as the table develops.

As more and more people leave the table, the dynamics change and hands that would be unplayable from most situations on a full table are now worth much more. An ace with a lower kicker takes on a whole new meaning with just four people left at the table, compared to the same hand with eight opponents.

It’s important to know exactly how many chips your opponents have as this will affect their play. Some players will have the mentality of hoping to finish perhaps fifth or six and will have targeted an opponent they wish to beat. Taking advantage of a player like this is crucial and, more often than not, you will be able to steal blinds off a person who is clinging on to a certain position.

In summary, to play at a final table your strategy should be cautious to begin with, be aware of your opponents chip size and be ready to change the way you play once the game becomes short-handed.