Okay, now that I know two advances I would start off small (min. $5 bets). Even if one of the players starts winning big from the start you still have another spot for advancing. Let the other players chase after the leader (you hope), if they lose you move up, if they win then you have to change to catch up mode.
When do you change? Depends on position, and number of hands left. Pay attention to the other players betting habits, most players I see betting big from the start in the weekly mini’s keep on betting big even with the lead. Most average players will start chasing as soon as they get behind. Let them, it is always a higher percentage play that the dealer will win then the players. Remember just because you play the so-called right way (highest percentage) doesn’t mean your going to win. I have lost to players on the last hand that have double downed on a hard 17 to beat me.
If you see them all betting small just stay with them, (it will probably come down to the last few hands). Most of the time within the first ten hands they’re will be someone that breaks. You want to stay within one maximum bet of the top two players so you have a chance at the end. Remember in tournaments with no cash value chips there is no stupid double downs on the last hand (that is if your beat, not if your in the lead) so if you are beat without doubling down go for it, what if you lose the hand, the chips are going back after that hand anyway and at least you have a chance to advance no matter how small.
Everything above is the way I would play most of the time, but the most important thing I can tell you is play the way your most comfortable, if you want to bet big go for it, if you can handle the patient game (my preference) play that way. Most players will tell you to play the patient game, but not me. I am a firm believer that if your not comfortable playing that way your not going to do as well. I have seen to many players that can’t handle the presser of playing small and or from behind, it drives them crazy. As a new player you will need to find which way your most comfortable playing and which gives you the most success.
Most tournaments come down to the final hand. Someone in last place can win the last hand while all the other players lose and go from last to first to win the table and advance to the next round. This is a great game for hindsight, shoulda, coulda, woulda. Should I place a small, medium, or large bet, do I surrender, do I hit or stand. All you can do is try to put yourself in a situation where you have a shot to advance to the next round.
Tournaments are a great way to have fun, make some money, and new friends. Remember even the best players don’t always win, so don’t get down if you don’t succeed at first, just keep trying.
Good luck and wishing you nothing but Aces & Faces.
