Free Poker Tournament Position Play Tactics

Knowing where you 'stand' in a free poker tournament is very significant in your ability to make the most of your odds.

For example, if the player on my left opens, the next two men call, and the following player raises it, then I can't come in with that possible straight, for these three reasons: First, if I call that raise, those other players behind me may have limped their good hands. So if I put my checks in to draw at this straight, the next man calls it, and the third man moves in and raise the re-raiser, my straight probably wouldn't be any good if I make it. (When you put checks in the pot, you've got to think you'll be able to go with your hand).

Also, I'm out of position; it just reverts to being in poor position, under the gun, first to tattle-tale your hand. However, if that re-raiser raises only a nominal amount, I might call him, because at that time I've got to think my straight will be a winner. Then, too, I'm going to get action from four other player. When that happens, it means the pot is laying 5 to 1 I won't make my straight, but the card-draw odds aren't 5 to 1 that I won't. I'm talking about a game in which I can bet all my checks, and this is where the hidden percent-ages come in again. If I make the straight, I can break a player.

Besides, by not being able to open, I don't have a quarter in the pot at this point. There's no reason for me to risk my check to come in and draw at this "possible." Even if I do come in and make it, I may go broke. So rather than do all this guessing, I know there'll be another deal in about forty seconds and I'll just wait for a new hand.

This time though I will change my strategy and play the game another way as it's a limited game. I would call the raise and then re raise as I know there is a cap on what I could be out of pocket for. If I made it I would be a certainty that I could as I do not draw to any cards that I will not bet. If you draw at any point and make it, but then check it- you are beating yourself.

These are specific tactics for both Hold 'em poker tournaments and Sit and Go poker games. As with so many things you need to practice your approach as much as possible, the ideal place to do so is a free poker tournament site where you can lose without losing real money.