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nocaution

OK... Maybe not "in over my head", per se, but I've found myself playing WAY over my limit, and would appreciate some words of encouragement, or even some advice.

So here's the deal; I decided to play in a few of the new WSOP step tourney's over at Stars. I'm not a s&g player normally, but they looked kinda fun, so I figured I would give em a shot. I played in a few step 1's, and got a few tickets to step 2, then I managed to get two tickets to step 3. Now, at this point, I'm already playing over my normal level, but you can't cash in the tickets, so I played on. I managed to get one ticket to step 4, which I promptly won. I played step 5, and got knocked back down to 4 again. I won step 4 again, but this time I won step 5 as well!

So here's the point where I need some encouraging words. Step 6 is a $2100 buy in, single table s&g which is primarily filled with players who can, you know... AFFORD IT! I can't opt out, and the pay table is very juicy to a micro stakes player like me. Just making it to 6th place pays more than I've kept at stars in years. I don't want to be scared money when I play this thing, but I've been looking up some of the players who are in it, and they're not going to care even a little about second place.

So, how should i approach this thing? Should I play ultra tight and hope that the rest of the players kill each other, while I get slowly blinded off? Which of course, would make winning the whole thing very difficult, if not impossible. (I see this as my best bet to cash)

Should I play just like I would against weaker players; good, solid, tight-aggressive poker? (I might be able to win it with this strategy, but a badly timed blind steal or C-bet could cripple me right out of getting paid)

Or should I try to see some cheap flops at the start and catch something that could boost my stack early, so I can sit back and wait for a few others to bust? (This is viable with the blind structure, but if it backfires, I'm screwed)

I'm normally a very confident player. I will abuse the hell out of the bubble, steal blinds when it matters, and make the occasional bluff if I sense weakness. But at the same time, I know my level, and these guys are clearly above it. Add this to the fact that, for the first time ever, the money really matters, and I'm actually a bit nervous.

I do know one thing for sure; If I can outlast the first 3, and guarantee myself some cash, all bets are off and I will fearlessly play to win from that point forward. Of this, I have no doubt.

If anybody has any advice or helpful words, I would surely appreciate it. (i.e. best time to go play it, who to watch out for, etc.)

Tourney info:
$2000+$100 WSOP Step 6
9 player S&G
3000 Starting chips
10 min blind levels
(as you can see, this gives ample opportunity for play)

Pay table:
1st - 10k entry to WSOP Main Event + $2500 cash
2nd - $1500
3rd - $1500
4th - $1000
5th - $1000
6th - $500

Cheers, and thanks-

P.S.
If anybody was thinking of playing in these, Step 1 costs $7.50, and is easily the softest game I've EVER played. I played less than ten of them, but regularly saw players chasing gutshots for their tourney life, calling all-ins worth 3 times the pot with their 9-high flush draw, and calling down massive pots with second or even bottom pair. Getting to step 2 is REALLY easy. Steps 2-3 are so-so. Steps 4-5 are a very fun challenge. And well, I guess I'll let you all know about Step 6 soon enough.

Badlydrawnboy · Flush Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 127

If even sixth place means so much to you, just play your normal tight-agressive style until you reach place six! That shouldn't be too difficult in a 9 player SnG, right? Just avoid all-ins or pots that get too big where you're not certain where you stand.

And once you're in the money, I would just go for the win and attack them without mercy, just like you normally would! Laughing

(If they are using tracking software they might think you're a novice or a fish, but perhaps you can take advantage out of that... you're obviously not so bad in SnG's, otherwise you wouldn't have made it this far...)

ripped 247 · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 8:23 am Post subject:

I don't think you need too much help, you seem to know whats required and carry it out well. Just play your game and you will be in the money easily enough. As you said yourself 2nd means nothing for some of these guys.. they will be going for broke early enough.

When to play it... probably when you feel you are playing really good poker. Definately not when you have had a couple of bad beats or whatever. Ive been sitting on a step 5 at party for about a month because I am playing so bad atm. LOL.

Keep us updated man, would love to hear how u went.

rockycatt · Message Board Junkie Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 2405

You soud to me as a person thats puting in enough research
to easely cash
you will be ready as ever just enjoy the game a hand at
a time
and good luck RC

cardfish2 · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 9:34 am Post subject:

When you play the top level SnGs you are playing the best of the best. They can read your soul. Don't try to trap them because they can read your soul.

Having said that, you can make a play against them, but only do it once. For instance, play one hand pretending you have hit a set. i.e. call a flop raise and then check raise the turn.

Another play I like is the min check raise on the flop followed by a strong bet on the turn. High level players tend to give respect to an unknown who is doing this. Only do this early in the game when people don't know what you are about.

If one of these plays works, do the exact same thing later when you really do get a hand. Sometimes it will help you get paid off.

Finally, my best advice is to get AA a lot.

mgodd · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 9:35 am Post subject:

Congrats on making it this far! I agree pretty much with what has already been said. Just play solid, tight-aggressive poker, and it shouldn't be too hard to outlast 3 people for the cash. Good luck and be sure to let us know how you do.

dcdoorknob · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 11:17 am Post subject:

Well I think my 'normal' SNG game early with low blinds is actually to be very tight and wait for a few to bust unless I get some premium hands or happen to hit a monster flop, so I don't think that adopting that strategy will be bad for you. Good luck!

esperz · Full House Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 220

6th place is easy, given any stakes. Don't worry about it man.

GJ working your way up the steps.

Starvingwriter · Full House Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 153

lenebean824 · Banned Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 36

GO ALL IN IN THE DARK ALOT AND YOU WILL SUCK OUT BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS IN ONLINE POKER ALOT!!!!

atlbraves00 · Banned Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 26

Don T-Mac · Pair Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 39

Really the best thing you can do is continue to play solid sng style poker. You probably came in contact with lots of good players before this but you weren't even aware of them.

Now is actually not the time to worry anymore. You've proven that you're capable of playing this step. If you think you got lucky more often than not along the way, review your hand histories and consider where your game can improve. Considering how careful you've been studying the situation, my guess is you know your game and you take it seriously.

Play when your head is clear and play to the best of your ability. Don't get short sighted on the cash. If you're this good, you can build a roll for $500 bucks anyway. Just focus on making the right decisions and things ought to work out.

Good luck and let us know how it went! Smile

Badlydrawnboy · Flush Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 127

Also keep in mind: "the bubble" for you is sixth place, everything else is just a bonus.

"The bubble" for some of them will probably be first place!

There will be people in there who absolutely want to win this thing to go to the WSOP. As long as that is not your main goal, you can take advantage of that.

They won't be willing to risk all of it on some questionable call earlier in the SnG.

(If you win a ticket to the WSOP, would you go? Smile

)

nocaution · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 4:22 am Post subject:

First off, thanks for all of the input.

Second - The main thing that I'm worried about, is the marginal situations that can make or break you. I can make tough decisions normally, but I'm afraid that if it gets to 7 handed play, I'm going to get a bit TOO tight. I've watched a few of these, and I know how I'd play it if the money didn't matter. I'd loosen up a lot in the first 3-4 levels, build up my chips, then slow down once the blinds started to matter. I'm not scared of the regular players or anything. In getting to this level, I played a few of the "big name" regulars that are in this game, and I feel that I've got a decent read on how to approach this. The bottom line is, I'm hesitant in regards to my own perception with that much on the line.

Third - If by some miracle, I actually won a seat; No. I would probably not go. I need the cash way too much. I could afford to go play a $1500 event, maybe. But the big show will have to wait until I don't have mountains of student loans, credit cards bills, and the looming purchase of a new car. (A job might help too... damn, I'm such a degenerate)

Cheers-

P.S.
I actually tried to play it earlier, but the thing wouldn't fill up. Oh well, I'll play it in the next few days, then update you all.

Badlydrawnboy · Flush Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 127

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