Zone System fit for SnGs?

[doliger]

Applying the Harrington zone system at 9-player SnG's seems a bit strange. Quite a few times I find myself as chip lead and down to 6-4 remaining players. However the Zone system tells me my M is about 5 and to either fold or push all in(first in vigorish).

True; this strategy when it "works" gets me into 3 handed or heads-up with a considerable chip lead, but many times I bust out on the bubble after say 3-4 all ins(other players comment I play like their little sister etc). Often I find that ALL players are down in orange-red zones(efficent M). However they play less aggresive. Should I just raise 2xBB or is this full guns blasting tactic best over time also in cheap SnGs? Maybe this system is for big MTTs with some very deep stacks and some short stacks; is there a SnG adaptation needed?

Thanks for any comments!

[Zee Devee]

Just get more aggressive with your big stack. Push people around, put them all in, pick up the blinds because they are a huge part of the game now.

But remember, since everybody is in need for chips most (good) people will be pushing/calling wide. OTOH, when on the bubble people tend to be tighter.

Anyway, welcome to FTR, stick around, read the stickies, post some hands, and glad to have ya here.

[cfought32]

I find push or fold is usually a good way to play, be more inclined to push based on your position and what you think about your opponents. You want to avoid pushing if you have an all in donk acting after you. If the players in the blinds are more tight though pushing is usually correct. I have experimented some with 2.5xbb raising and had some success once I drop below 10bb but it is kinda risky but it's a way to mix up your game some. I still prefer pushing as then I am not faced with a flop turn river decision if my raise is called pre-flop. One word of caution with 2.5x bb raise do NOT try this if you have some stacks with 4-5 bb at your table. I have learned the hard way they will usually move in on you and then you will be forced to call. Other than that try it one or two times and see how much respect your raises get. If your table image is pretty tight you should be able to pick up the blinds a couple of times, it might be just enough to put you over the top. Just my $.02 worth hope it helps you.

[Sprayed]

This is a good article for you to read:
http://www.pocketfives.com/D91C4382-...4BECA917C.aspx

Some of the zone strat applies and some of it doesn't. On the bubble, you can throw this out of the window. Good MTTers have a hard time adjusting to SNGs since it is about maximizing your chance to profit every time you play an SNG. You want to money as often as possible since they only pay out 3 places. Therefore, knowing and understanding proper bubble play will increase your chances of moneying more often.

[doliger]

Thanks, very helpfull feedback! I play very low limit SnGs 3+0.4 buy-in on Poker Stars. My plan is to build a bank roll there by playin those exclusivly.

[Sprayed]

Thanks, very helpfull feedback! I play very low limit SnGs 3+0.4 buy-in on Poker Stars. My plan is to build a bank roll there by playin those exclusivly.

Be prepared for the high variance.

[Roco415]

great article....that was top 5 ive read in a while...thanks alot

[Wikkiwikki]

The thing about late in the tournament or SNG is that chip preservation is really important. If your the big stack late and your M is 6 everyone is in panic mode and looking to push, the fact that you've got the most chips allows you to panic a little less, and maybe wait one more round for better cards etc. It's not the number of hands you play but the quality of them - especially late.
At the point where the biggest M is 5 you've got to get a little lucky to win, but pushing all-in is always better than calling all-in. So being first to act is huge. M's only really relevant to the players that are left. But at around 6 or 7 it becomes push fold.

[Black Sheep]

This is a good article for you to read:
http://www.pocketfives.com/D91C4382-...4BECA917C.aspx

Some of the zone strat applies and some of it doesn't. On the bubble, you can throw this out of the window. Good MTTers have a hard time adjusting to SNGs since it is about maximizing your chance to profit every time you play an SNG. You want to money as often as possible since they only pay out 3 places. Therefore, knowing and understanding proper bubble play will increase your chances of moneying more often.

Thx alot for the link, its worth gold . Probaly is very helpfull for most players.

[Ghandii]

This is a good article for you to read:
http://www.pocketfives.com/D91C4382-...4BECA917C.aspx

Some of the zone strat applies and some of it doesn't. On the bubble, you can throw this out of the window. Good MTTers have a hard time adjusting to SNGs since it is about maximizing your chance to profit every time you play an SNG. You want to money as often as possible since they only pay out 3 places. Therefore, knowing and understanding proper bubble play will increase your chances of moneying more often.

Thx alot for the link, its worth gold . Probaly is very helpfull for most players.

Ditto

[Sprayed]

I'll take the credit, but I didn't write it. YW

[Zee Devee]

I'll give you the credit cuz I dont know that guy.