Double Up SNG Strategy
A great way to build your poker bankroll is the Poker Stars Double Up SNGs. In these SNGs you will either double your entry or lose it all. They pay out the last 5 players and 5th place is just the same as 1st. If you want to start playing serious poker but don't have that much cash to start with this is a great way to work up from only $50 or $100. With a solid easy to learn double up SNG strategy you can build your bankroll to begin playing poker cash games in no time. You have to make sure that you follow this strategy as closely as possible so increase your chances of winning these SNGs as much as possible.
1. Play Rock Tight – You will have to play overly tight in this form of SNG. Since your main focus is survival you need to play tighter than you normally would and just let your opponents eliminate one another. You still need to play your good hands, but focus more on not being eliminated than on building a stack. You want to avoid playing in too many big pots with players who have you covered. If they have the ability to knock you out of the tournament then you should fear them.
2. Be Careful – Make sure that you are aware of everything that is going on around you at the table. If you have a player who recently had their stack nearly eliminated then you shouldn't be stealing when they are still to act. If a player before you limped in and it isn't a standard line to take for the player you don't want to raise because they will probably move all in on you. You need to be extra careful because mistakes are everything. You either win or you lose. There is no first place.
3. Deep Stacked – When you are deep stacked in a double up SNG just ride your stack into the money. For the most part if you double up you should be able to coast into the pay out without any real worry. Don't get cocky and start risking chips for no reason in attempt to knock players out. They can do that themselves without causing you risk. Doubling up and having a deep stack in a double up SNG is guaranteeing yourself money. Don't ruin what you earn for yourself.
4. Push/Fold Mode – You need to know about push/fold mode for when you are short stacked in these SNGs. Push/fold mode is the situation you are in when your stack is only ten times the big blind. When you are in this position you are looking for decent hands to move all in on. You go into this mode because when you are at this point you need to double your stack at minimum or else you will just be in an endless cycle of push/fold mode in which you always die in. Survival is key so getting out of the position in which you are about to lose your chance to make the money is all the more worth it.
