How to use stats in tournaments compared to cash games

[jbatesm]

I have done quite a bit of reading on the subject of how to use statistics in cash games and how to exploit the weaknesses shown in these numbers. I guess what I have been looking for is a difference in approach between using personalized HUD's in either tournament or cash games. It would be great if some one would include their set up to show the difference or no difference in their HUD. I tend to play a lot of sit n gos and sometimes try my luck at larger multi-table tournaments. The thing is that I understand the use of stats more in cash games. Would it be wrong to use almost the same approach with the use of VPiP, PFr, Total agression, 3bet, fold to 3bet, steal, fold to flop bet, cbet, showdown, Fold BB to steal, Limp-call %, and Aggression frequency? Or would it better to switch my hud for specifically for tournament play? If so, is there specific stats that would help me in tournament play that I would not use for cash and vice versa? Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[Neoblast]

Well I'm in the same path as you, I just got pokertracker and I would also like some advice in this matter.

 

[Brann6]

I use PT3 and pay very close attention the first few rounds to several things lol. (Hope I can be clear here).

First off, any stat tracker is only as good as the observations you yourself make and combine with the stats. And, you have to make some fast decisions about each player at your table because you can't sit and wait for 50 hands so your stats will finally have some meaning.

An example...I'm in a private tournament and one guy has played exactly 0 of the first 10 hands. (He folded the sb in a limped pot and folded the bb to a pf raise.) So, I'm figuring this guy's fairly tight.

About hand 15 he limps utg. I had garbage and folded but figure "tight guy, limps utg, either being tricky with a big pair or, more likely, limping with a small to medium pair." Wrong. He was limping with A5o. Were the stats wrong? Nope...just incomplete. But that one hand gave me all the info I needed about this guy. When he raised, I knew it was with a premium hand. When he limped, it was almost always utter garbage. The key stats with him were "fold to steal attempt and fold to cbet."

Another player in the same tourney also had a very low VPIP and PFR percentage. However, as we neared the money his PFR took a big jump, especially from late position. Coupling his stats with this observed late surge of activity, I decided he was pretty knowledgable and able...and he was. So, my focus became re-stealing against him. (I admit, he beat me once we got heads up.)

I guess this is my long-winded way of saying you have to use the stats AND your own observations and notes to get a clear picture of what you're up against. Stats alone won't get the job done.