Whats your tournament strategy?

[Kurn]

Tournament strategy really depends on the type of tournament. I'll assume that we're talking a multi, since I play a much tighter game in a SNG.

Strategy also differs for the type of game. NLHE strategy differs from limit HE tournament strategy. In NL, limping from late position in the early rounds is a good idea because of implied odds. In a limit HE tourney, I treat every preflop decision as raise/fold. Limit split-pot game tourneys are different as well, as in the early rounds a raise usually won't limit the field (here I'll freely admit I have much more success in Stud/8 multis than in O/8 multis).

Back to NLHE which is what most people think of when they ask about tourney strategy. I try to use the first level to get an idea what the players are like at my table. I play very few hands up front. I won't limp with 88-22 and will fold all unsuited aces preflop except AK. If by the latter part of the first level I'm convinced I'm at a generally passive table, I may begin limping with middle pairs and Axs from as early as 3 off the button.

After the first break it's time to start playing situational poker. When on the button, if the blinds aren't LAGs, I will usually throw in a very big raise if there are any limpers in the pot. At this point I'm not entering many pots by calling, it's raise/fold in all but some obvious exceptions (88-22 I'll limp, maybe a medium suited ace). In the BB, if anyone just doubles the blind, I'll call with any 2 that can make a straight or flush, especially if it's heads-up and the raiser almost never min-raises (I'm looking to flop a big hand to crack his AA).

Approaching the money, I like to get even more aggressive to prey on those who are worried about just making the money (this works for any type tourney - NL, Limit, regardless of the game).

The last point is crucial. As you get to the point where you're about one or two tables away from the money, you have to stop caring about making the money. The worst attitude you can have is "I've played this long, I don't want to go away empty-handed." The real money is in the top 5 places. If you're in the hunt you get to the big money by stealing from the rest of the players who are worried about busting out on the bubble.

As to what constitutes being short-stacked, I've always held to the 10x BB theory, but lately I've begun to start playing more aggressively at 15x BB.

In a limit tourney, where you don't have the same preflop fold equity and more multiway pots, 4 big bets is shortstacked, but you can usually hold off until 3. In split-pot games, you can actually go to 2.5 big bets because of the higher probability of tripling up or better by scooping in a multiway pot.