In Part I of this series, we introduced rebuy tournaments and discussed
structure, bankroll, and early strategy for these MTTs. This article
completes the discussion of rebuys.
Late in the First Hour
As the end of the rebuy period approaches, a player who busts should
probably avoid rebuying if two stacks will provide less than half of the
average stack in the tournament. At this point, it is probably better to
cut your losses and try again another time. A player who has less than one
fourth of the average stack should be looking to double up very soon.
Two strategy situations to watch out for here are insane play by tiny
stacks (looking to double up fast) and overly tight play by larger stacks
(trying to preserve their chips against the late-first-hour maniacs).
Alert players can take advantage of both these situations.
The Add-on Period
At the end of the hour, play pauses for a break and all players are
offered the add-on options, based on their stack.
Players with zero chips (lost the last hand before the break) are allowed
two rebuys and one add-on. Players with less than the initial stack are
offered one rebuy and one add-on. If the total of these added chips would
not give you at least half the average stack, you should probably not buy
more chips, and play with your tiny stack. When computing the average
stack, assume that every player still active will take the add-on. Most of
them will.
Players with more than the starting stack will only be offered the add-on.
Again, if these added chips leave you with less than half of the average,
you are probably best to save your money for another tournament.
All bigger stacks should take the add-on. Some players argue that the very
highest players gain little from adding on. The reality is that as a big
stack at this point, your equity in the tournament is significantly higher
than the cost of one add-on. You must be willing to make the decision with
positive expected value.
The Middle Stages – Hour Two and Beyond
After the rebuy stage ends, normal freezeout strategy kicks in. Wait a few
hands for the rebuy crazies to settle down (some truly forget that the
rebuy period is over), then start making selective aggressive moves. As
the blinds increase, mix in blind steals from late position (making sure
to show down a good hand regularly too). Watch your opponents carefully,
noting tendencies, and trying to get in coinflip situations with short
stacks.
As the money approaches, be ready to steal repeatedly, especially if there
are several short stacks at your table. There is little risk in this
maneuver if you are careful to avoid the players you identify as solid.
Finally, for the remainder of the tournament, you must be alert to your
own stack size as well. Although more sophisticated strategies exist, the
simplest short stack rule is the Ten Big Blind Rule. Anytime your stack
drops below ten big blinds, you should usually go all-in with any hand you
intend to play until your situation changes. Future tournament strategy
articles will discuss short stack play in more detail.
In the Money
Once the payout bubble has burst, watch out for the short stack players
who play virtually any two cards, because you can gain a lot of chips from
them in the right situation.
In rebuy tournaments, the lowest level of payouts is much higher than the
same payout level of freezeouts. The weak players who enter R&A
tournaments hoping simply to make the money have now accomplished their
goal, and are willing to gamble it up hoping for a little luck. Here’s a
typical situation: you are on the button with AT in the early payoff
stages. A short stack goes all-in from early position. Reraise! With any
luck, the blinds will fold, putting a lot of dead money in the pot. You
will often find yourself dominating a hand like A5 or KT.
Watch the payout structure closely. As each new level of prizes
approaches, be alert for these players who are “just happy to be there.”
After entering each new level, be aware of the short players again!
Prepare your bankroll and make wise rebuy decisions so you can enjoy the
excitement and hidden value of R&A tournaments.
|
