Final Table...HELP!

[Lvythyn]

I've been making a couple of final tables lately in MTT's and always seem to get a really bad attack of nerves or something that just shatters my game to pieces.

I'm not sure if it's the shorthanded vs full table difference or if the size of the stacks and bets are putting me off.

I'm a fairly tight player that likes to hit hard when I get a good hand, as are a lot of other people but I find this isn't really working too well when you're actually in the money.

I need to be more aggressive and also defend my blinds better but the fact that I have gotten so far and want to get further kind of inhibits my play.

Any tips on how to play a final table would be greatly appreciated!

 

[t1riel]

When you get to the final table of a MTT, it more luck than skill at that point. You have the chip leader bullying the shortstacks. Shortstacks waiting for a good hand to go all in. The medium stacks playing tight. Basically, you have to get a feel at the final table. Are they playing loose? If so, play tight. Are they playing tight? bluff more. If you're shortstacked, all in or fold are your only options. If you're the chip leader, start raising more and bully the other players. If you're the medium stack, play cautiously. Raise with even marginal hands (i.e. K, 10) and suited connectors. But all in all, luck plays the biggest part of final table play.

 

[Lvythyn]

Thanks for that.

Common sense really. As much as anyone can say this game makes sense that is!!

 

[ChuckTs]

yup what t1riel said is basically true.
Late in online tourneys, the blind structure is so high that it's basically push or fold unless you have a big stack, in which case widen your hand selection and start bullying the smaller stacks.
They won't want to give up that extra $100 at the next spot up for an all in with KT, so raising with your medium strength hands is a very good idea.
If you're a shortstack, look for any blackjack, ace, or pocket pair, push, and cross your fingers

Another thing to keep in mind is that at the beginning of the final table, a few people will be very short stacked. They will usually drop like flies in the first 1/2 hour and you should probably sit tight until they bust. This will get you higher on the payout list.
Play the final table like you would a 10 person SnG: tight at the beginning, let people bust out and then chip away at the larger stacks. The only difference between a SnG and an MTT final table is that the starting stacks will be different. You'll have to cope with being a short stack often times, or others you will have to bully the table with your big stack.

 

[Lvythyn]

Thanks Chuck!
More good strategy to absorb.

Hey, I find that listening to Eazy E when playing online really helps my game. Ni**#az My Height Don't Fight seems to translate well to this game.