If you are like many poker players, you undoubtedly want to improve your game, no matter how skilled or advanced it may already be. For cash players, that simply means improving their profit per hour. However, for tournament players, the formula is a little more complex.
Whether you play live tournaments or on the WPT app, improving your game is more about running deeper than the amount you cash out. Now, of course, the first question would be, “Doesn’t running deeper in tournaments mean you’re making more money?” And yes, in nearly any case, that is true.
But the goal in tournaments, unlike cash games, isn’t just simply about making more money. Going consistently deeper in tournaments is the ultimate goal because the payouts are significantly higher the further you get. So, to help you take your game to the next level, we put together 5 proven strategies to build your stack and take you to the later stages:
- Steal often but don’t go crazy.
This is a common trap that even experienced tournament players fall into. The temptation to go after weak big blinds over and over can be difficult to ignore. While putting pressure on the blinds of timid or nitty players is a key part of a successful strategy, being overaggressive will have you playing big pots without much to work with.
- Be prepared to defend your big blind (a lot).
This is the flip side of the first tip. When playing on the WPT app, anyone with a basic understanding of tourney play knows that going after blinds is important. However, once they find out you are a competent player who is willing to defend your blind and mix it up with them, they will begin to tread lightly.
- If you’re deep-stacked, play like it’s a cash game.
Basically, this means you should bet and raise more often. A stack is generally considered deep when you have over 100 big blinds. In these instances, you should raise preflop much more frequently and continue bet often.
- Don’t c-bet every, single time.
While it’s wise to continue to bet often with deep stacks in most cases, you will usually be between 40-100 big blinds. Don’t fall into the habit of constantly c-betting every preflop raise. You’ll pick up some small pots semi-regularly but also lose big ones more often.
- Always be thinking one street ahead.
Like great chess players, advanced tournament players always think about the next card and what they will do in any given outcome. This allows you to develop a plan of attack ahead of time, staying one step ahead of your opponent.
Download the WPT app and Head to the Tables!
The only thing left is setting up a WPT account and diving into the action. With multiple tournaments of all sizes and prize pools, players of any skill level or bankroll can find a game they’ll enjoy. Remember, these tips are only good if you implement them consistently and avoid the common pitfalls (including tilt) that derail so many players before they can mount a deep run.