- Avoid equal or bigger stacks like the plague -

The Mid-Game in a Poker Tournament begins as more and more players' stacks come under blind pressure. Some tables may actually go into the Mid-Game a round or two before others. Now we must modify or normal solid game significantly. During this period most of the hands are 2 or 3 handed and you seldom have multi-way actions. As short stacks become more desperate, all in moves will become more frequent. Just as we modify our play others will modify there's and often for the alert player this yields some excellent opportunities.

You should modify your play based on your stack size

Short Stack: (under blind pressure) You should become more aggressive look for situations where you might make good use of marginal cards. Attack the other short stacks when possible. If you are in a situation where you would call an All-in, bet or raise first. Put the decision in the other guys lap.

Short Medium Stack: Keep your starting hand standards high, but when you can bully a short stack do it but be prepared. Short stack will go all in with any cards all. If you aren't prepared to call an all-in. Steal the blinds to support your stack but do so carefully.

Large Medium Stack: You are in a situation were you could probably blind into the money, restrict your starting hands to the absolute best. From Late Position steal very cautiously. Avoid equal or bigger stacks like the plague. Don't get involved in multi-way pots. If you can't go all in with hand, don't play anything in early position. Mucking pocket aces in this situation might be the best move, if several players have already moved all in.

Tall Stack: You have a tall stack when you a have a large multiple of the average stack, often no one may have a tall stack, not even the chip leader. If you can sustain a loss without jeopardizing your tournament standing you have a tall stack. You have the power. Use it. Bully 'em. Steel the blinds as frequently as possible with good cards, but don't play if you aren't prepared to cover an all in. If you have trash, don't call in an attempt to put another player out. Too often you will only double him up. Pay attention to the players, because you should know by now who is capable of laying it down and who isn't.

See you at the final table.

Sarge