Steal, Defend and Plan
I would like to know from you what is the main difference between playing these two types of tournament [6-Max] x Normal [9 Players] and if you can give me tips on how to improve my game play [6-Max] ...Thanks hugs!
Whilst I do not play a tonne of 6-Max, I have read a bit on the topic and have seen a number of opposing views. For example, Jonathan Little has said that you shouldn't really play the game that much differently. Sort of like when you're in UTG+3/MP and everyone folds to you. Do you behave significantly differently when that happens?
That said, one of the biggest differences is how quickly you get blinded out if you're playing too tight. So blind stealing (and conversely BB defence) can become more important.
But as with all things, it really depends. What I recommend is identifying the weaker player(s) at the table and targeting them, when they are in the blinds (and potentially in other spots).
6-Max players will often have a wider range than full ring. Get a HUD and try to identify the NITs from the TAGs and the LAGs from the FISH. If you cannot identify the weaker players, then it is probably you and you might want to find a different table (or game).
Put pressure on the NITs by raising pre-flop and re-raising when you have strong playable hands. I guess this is another way of saying what someone else has already said... ie bet or fold. But the idea here is to be regularly putting your opponents in difficult positions.
That said, you need to be conscious of position and stack size. It is difficult to put pressure on the chip lead when you're down to 20BB, so pick your targets and adjust accordingly.
Play against your opponents' ranges. Use tools like ICMizer, to examine your
equity against an opponent's range (game type, stack size, position, etc) and act accordingly.
Finally, have a plan.
If you are going to raise, you should already have a good idea about what your next actions will be if they flat, raise or shove. Knowing this, it helps to take a step back and then avoid the actions you take that put YOU in a difficult position.
For example, If the table folds around to you on the button and you raise 3BB preflop, you should be ready for players with 20BB or less to shove. It shouldn't come as a surprise. So when they do, why does it take people so long to make their decision? Mostly because they haven't actually made a plan.
Having a plan also takes a lot of the pain out of poker. If you are focussing on making the right plays, rather than acting without due consideration, you could easily be missing a trick.
Cheers,
ObbleeXY
