Is there a difference?

I've been reading some the hand analyses from both subforums. Is there really any difference you should play a hand in an SnG and a MTT?

SnGs generally only have 1 table, and a fast blind structure, creating a short stacked, short handed game quite quickly.

MTTs by definition have more than 1 table, and they get shuffled around so you're usually in a 9/10 handed game. The blinds go up slower, and you usually have larger stacks. You'll see a lot more flops and can generally outplay your opponents on them to win pots, rather than having to resort to the all in move which can quickly become your only option in a SnG.

DUH, better clarify, I meant the way you bet the cards you're holding. Seems like you would play the acual cards the same wether your in an ang or mtt. cards are cards, right.

There seems to be a difference. A little later today our ring game specialists will wake, and hopefully share some more of their wisdom.

There is that one distinct difference in strategy that in a tourney, and all-in bet implies death. In a ring game that same bet only implies rebuying. Many of the basic strats are of course the same, but it the extreme instances are where the differences manifest themselves significantly.

I am not a ring game player by training, but don't feel uncomfortable at a ring. However, I can see, but not yet clearly define some differences.

TB, Chuck, and a few other sleepyheads come to mind and will hopefully jump in to this one.

thanks dj and cf, i'll be looking forward to more input.

Roland are you talking just about playing a hand in SnG V MTT, or are you comparing playing a hand in a tourny v Cash game?

I think perhaps I misread the question (very early my time when I replied). There is less difference between SnG and MTT than between any tourney and ring.

Full table (9 or 10) SnG plays much faster(looser) than a MTT. Table images are more relevant in the faster game. Means you establish an image fast. Does not mean they are cast in stone tho.

In a MTT(large field) you can sit back and cruise for many many hands just watching and waiting for your monsters to arrive. Alertness will show you who is LAG, who is TAG, and who doesn't have a clue. Card dead at the start is not bad unless you have an action Jones to satisfy.

In the faster SnG, a bit looser might be better. Basic fundamentals like starting hand preferences can maybe be shifted left a seat or two, depending on what you have seen at that table, at that sitting. Existing stats on players in a SNG(1-3 tables) seem less relevant.

If it is a bigger multi table SnG, like 4-10 tables, yet still fixed entry, it gets closer and closer to pure MTT (large field) play, where patience usually pays off well.

The fewer the tables, the faster (looser) it is likely to play.

There are definitely differences between STTs and MTTs, and obviously huge differences between either of those and rings as well.

I'm a little rusty with tourneys in general, but I think the big difference is the bubble being much more important in STTs. ICM calculators are very useful (maybe essential for high-volume players) in STTs whereas they don't really need to be used in MTTs too often.

rings = equities, metagame
stts = ICM/bubble play, fold equity
mtts = survival

...imo

When you analyze deep into it, MTT and SnG strategy are very different, specifically bubble strategy.

In MTTs you shouldn't tighten your game too much when you get near the bubble if you want to maximize your EV, since it's more important to get a larger stack and bully medium/short stacks so you can final table more often to win the big money then to be worried about busting.

If you want to be a successful SnG player, however, you must understand the dynamics of bubble play and ICMs. Very synthetically, if top 3 are paid and there are 4 remaining there are times when folding premium hands like JJ, QQ, AK and even KK are the correct play. Say, hypothetically, you have 6000 chips, and the other 3 have 6500, 1500 and 1000; you're on the BB with JJ, it's folded to the big stack on the SB and he puts you all in with 200/400 blinds. You should fold in this spot (even if you KNOW he's pushing any 2 cards) because you're not winning enough times to be +EV on the long run, since one of the short stacks is bound to bust soon and put you in the money.

Hope it helped someone... and that I didn't say anything wrong! =)

interesting post, I like the comments, I think SnG are MTT differ because of the players decisions or indecisions on how to play particular hands. Format isn't much of a factor here because structures (not always) are often equal.