Help learning MTTs all over again

I started playing poker about 3-4 years ago. Playing mainly SNGs and MTTs. Anyways, I do fairly well in SNGs but not so well in MTTs. In the 3-4 years I've been playing, I've never won a MTT with 45+ players. I've won a few 45 mans, but nothing bigger. So obviously I'm playing wrong I guess. =/. I just can't figure it out though. I've read HoH Vol. 1 and 2. Been a member of CardRunners, PXF, Tournament Poker Edge. So I'm asking for community help to point me in the right direction. I want to learn from the basics all over again. prolly take a break rest of 2010 and study and gring hard 2011.

1. what books should i start reading?
2. any online material i can start reading?

thanks guys.

How many mtt's do you play in a month?

I dont put in to much volume. I deposit $50-$100 and play anything from $1-$20 MTTs, so the money goes fairly quick.

Don't play $20 MTT. Way too expensive to be learning on. I would advise the $2 because of the rake break over the $1. Try the 90-180 man format for a while until you get used to mid-stage and bubble play, before moving up to 180+ player tourneys.

On a $50 deposit, you can play 20 $2 180's. This should be enough to give you an idea of where you are making your mistakes. Also, don't be expecting to make money in every game you play. If you get one or two deep cahes out of those 20 games, you are on the right track.

Thanks for the reply KAAHK. I really think one of my problems with big field MTTs is staying focused. I think I've noticed that I can go about 1.5-2 hours before I feel like doing something else (laying down watching tv, eating, etc.) Anyways, bout the 90-180 mans. Can you suggest any articles online that would improve my games in these? Thanks

You have to play a LOT of mtt's to get some good cashes.

And yea - with that small of a bankroll you need to stick to very low buy-ins.

I would check out Winning Poker Tournaments One Hand at a Time Vol 1 and 2. Think of them as the new Harrington.

Take alot of time reviewing your own hand histories and perhaps even have someone take a look at some HHs for you (either a friend or pay a coach to do it). This will help identify and plug some leaks.

And as others have said, practice good BR managament!!

As others have said, I'd try to practice good bankroll management, even if you can afford to keep depositing and splash around. I think you'll become a better player with the mindset that you don't want to go broke. I'd deposit enough for maybe 60-70 buyins if you're going to play 90 person tourneys. More if you're going to play large fields. Playing MTT's as your main game means big swings, but I'm bored playing cash games of STT's now. I love the rush of going deep.

I'd try the $1.40 90 man knockout SNG's on pokerstars. I've been playing these recently and I like them for a number of reasons:

- They're really soft. Donkeys are apparently attracted to $.25 knockout bounties.
- Because of the knockout bounties, people tend to get it all in on marginal draws, which is profitable if you have a hand.
- You start with 2000 chips, and the blinds increase slowly, allowing you time to use your skill advantage. We were 60bb deep 3 handed at a final table a few days ago. It was really cool.
- You get a quarter for busting someone. Everyone loves a quarter.


Oh... and I don't know of any other good resources for learning MTT strategy that hasn't already been mentioned here. Post hands and questions in the forums. Having other people review my play has been really helpful for me.

PURECASH4 said:

Thanks for the reply KAAHK. I really think one of my problems with big field MTTs is staying focused. I think I've noticed that I can go about 1.5-2 hours before I feel like doing something else (laying down watching tv, eating, etc.) Anyways, bout the 90-180 mans. Can you suggest any articles online that would improve my games in these? Thanks

Click to expand...

I would suggest using the 'search' function within this forum, there are a few good threads about the subject. (not going to do all the work for you). Also, use Google and search the topic, there are hundreds if articles available online.

Best of luck to you learning patience and focus.

PURECASH4 said:

I really think one of my problems with big field MTTs is staying focused.

Click to expand...

That is a common problem for MTT players. I suggest you try listening to music while playing. Personally, I find that very helpful when my attention starts to wander. The other obvious solution is to multi-table, but that is impractical if you are already a losing player - it will simply magnify your losses.

Thanks for the feedback fellas. will do some more searching through this forum.