Multi Table Tournament Strategy: Odds and Ends
1) Remember to separate your tournament notes on a player from your ring game notes on that player - for example, a player may be VERY aggressive in tournament play, but tighten up considerably when every hand is for real money.
2) When you’re down to the last 3 tables in a large multi, it’s probably a good idea to close any other games you might be playing and watch the other two tables. In larger tournaments you’re probably heading toward a significant payoff at this point, and any information you can glean about your opponents-to-be can easily make the difference between 20th and 1st.
3) Play extra conservative in the hands right before the break. Fact is, you may be getting impatient [especially if you’re a smoker ;)] and some others certainly are - try your best to really tighten down in the last two minutes before the break to avoid any impulsive [possibly nicotine-withdrawal motivated] plays.
4) Use your breaks to evaluate and assess. Take note of your stack and the blinds / antes as they will be after the break. How many rounds can you last? Do you need to shift gears? You’ll find the personality of a tournament often shifts dramatically after a break, especially in the later stages.
5) Take a break on your break. A lot of players will just keep playing a 2nd table right through break. Give your brain and body a rest - a multi requires far more concentration and emotional energy than your regular limit game
