Pokerstars "Steps" Discussion/Inquiry

In short, went on an impressive SNG run last night. Cashed 2nd out of 90 in a 6 buck MTT, cashed >75 percent in low buy in Double or Nothings, and gave Step 1 a shot after an unsuccessful first run past Step 4.

I ended up stopping myself at Step 3 to present this question to my fellow forumers. What kind of play can I expect at this level/Would you care toshare your experience(s)? I remembered the play to be quite nitty, and considering it is a turbo, I was wondering how to adjust to the stages on this step.

My SNG play is pretty ABC and has yielded bountiful profits. Usually consists of a TAG early on, picking off blinds and bluffing (even multiway) when I sense strong weakness. LAGgy on the bubble etc. I am primarily playing to convert my Step 4 ticket into entry to a Sunday guaranteed tourney, so any in depth insight would be greatly appreciated. Even advice/experiences on the Million or Warm Up would be excellent, thanks.

(This should be in Poker Rooms or Strategy - I will move it to Strategy.)

I got to step 2 last night so will try for step 3 today. I am not a sng or a turbo player so won't attempt to answer your questions. I have only played a few of them. I won a step 3 ticket and managed to convert it to a step 4 and used it to play the Sunday warm-up. That is what I am trying to do again.

I will see if I can get Dorkus in here to give us some tips - if I remember correctly he plays a lot of sng's.

I understand, and that would be great to get Dorkus' opinion on this. Offtopic, but did you cash in the Warm Up?

The main difference with standard SNGs is that the payout structure is very different. Essentially you're playing for 2nd place since both winners get the step4 ticket. And the first bubble happens 6 handed as 3rd to 5th get a new step3 ticket.

That means survival is a bit more important than boosting your stack. In the push/fold stage, it makes +$EV calling requirements a little stricter. If you want to see how it changes in details, download SNGWiz, modify the payout structure to what the step3 pays and then play around with it.

Your first point made sense in relation to the initial paragraph, thanks. I'm going to DL SNGWiz tonight and follow what you recommended.

No - but I lasted a while and went out with best hand when money went in - I felt very good about how I played. I am anxious to give it another shot!

Got my step 3.

Congrats, and screw going for max Sklansky bucks on Step 3 play, 1st place or bust. Just messin', good luck. =D