Skip to content

Tips for Surviving Multi-Table Tournaments

Published by Linda Sanchez on July 4, 2025

Multi-table tournaments (MTTs) are where poker dreams are made. They offer the thrill of deep runs, massive prize pools, and the chance to turn a small buy-in into a big payday. But with hundreds—or even thousands—of opponents, surviving an MTT takes more than luck. It requires patience, discipline, and the right strategy at every stage.

Whether you’re playing online or live, here are essential tips to help you survive and thrive in multi-table tournaments.

1. Be Patient in the Early Levels

At the beginning of an MTT, stacks are deep and blinds are small. This is not the time to gamble unnecessarily.

Play tight and solid:

  • Focus on premium hands

  • Avoid marginal spots out of position

  • Don’t try to build a stack too early

Let the loose players knock each other out while you preserve your chips.

2. Choose the Right Spots to Be Aggressive

While patience is important, you can’t fold forever. Look for good opportunities to apply pressure.

  • Raise more often in late position

  • Steal blinds when stacks are shallow and opponents are tight

  • 3-bet light against frequent openers when you have position

Controlled aggression can help you chip up without risking too much.

3. Pay Attention to Stack Sizes

MTT strategy shifts dramatically based on stack depth.

  • Deep stacks (50+ BB): You can play more post-flop and speculate with suited connectors

  • Mid stacks (20–40 BB): Focus on stealing and reshove spots

  • Short stacks (<15 BB): Know your push/fold ranges

Understanding how to adjust Master Poker Indoesia your play based on your chip count—and your opponents’—is key to survival.

4. Adapt to Changing Table Dynamics

As players bust and new players join, table dynamics change constantly.

Watch for:

  • Who’s playing loose or tight

  • Who folds to aggression

  • Who’s capable of bluffing or calling light

Good players adapt quickly and exploit weak opponents while avoiding unnecessary clashes with stronger ones.

5. Know Bubble Strategy

When you’re near the money (the “bubble”), the pressure ramps up. Most players tighten up, and you can take advantage.

  • If you have a big stack: apply pressure on shorter stacks who want to make the money

  • If you have a short stack: don’t be reckless, but know when to shove and not blind out

Avoid costly mistakes by knowing ICM (Independent Chip Model) concepts and how they affect bubble decisions.

Published inBlog