How to Play a Big Stack in MTT's

Holding a big stack in a multi table tournament is a huge benefit when used correctly. Yet so many players make basic errors and end up with their big stack dwindling. This article looks at some of the fundamental poker strategy concepts involved in big stack tournament play – and shows you how to use your big stack to reach the final table.

What is a Big Stack?

First we define having a big stack – since a big pile of chips alone may not always qualify. Secondly we cover the ‘rules of engagement’ for big-stack multi-table tournament play, showing why you should raise – but should not always call. Thirdly we look at situational factors through the tournament, which will change your strategy when holding a big stack.

A large stack in a multi-table tournament is judged in relation to two distinct factors. Firstly the size of the blinds and antes – a big chip stack would need to be 50 or more times the big blind during the middle stages and 30 or more times in the late game. Secondly, it needs to be big in relation to the stacks of most of other players at your table.

Plays You Should Make

Holding a big stack enables you to play positive and aggressive poker throughout the tournament. Tightening up and ‘waiting for cards’ is a mistake that will see your big stack becoming ‘average’ in a short time. There are some basic strategy ideas that will help to make your big stacked plays effective:

- Raise, Don’t Call! If an opponent raises ahead of you then you still need a hand in order to play, do not let having chips lead you to call too often. Better plays include re-raising when you feel you beat your opponent’s range and folding to wait for a pot you can open by raising yourself.

- Avoid Big Pots With Other Big Stacks! If someone can take more than half of your chips then manage the size of the pot by keeping bets and raises small. Try to play pots from a position of strength with smaller stacks, avoiding the other large ones.

- Keep Up The Pressure! Raise regularly when folded to in late position, the fact that you can bust your opponents will make them reluctant to fight back. If they do fight back and you do not have a hand then fold – just continue with the pressure as soon as you can.

- Awareness Of Small Stacks! If you open raise a pot and a very small stack pushes all-in then you may be forced to call by compelling pot-odds. Make sure you are aware of situations where this might occur and ensure your hand has some showdown value.

The Bubble

The bubble is an excellent time to hold a big stack in a multi-table tournament. Many opponents, especially those with medium sized stacks, will tighten up considerably in order to get into the money.

Use this to your advantage by raising with even more hands than usual. Remember that a smaller stack raising ahead of you at the bubble is more likely to hold a strong hand than usual – you need a hand to call this raise.

Once in the money there will often be situations where the payouts jump as players are eliminated. The most significant of these usually occurs just before the final table. Use these to your advantage by raising more often just before the payment jumps.

To summarize, a big stack should be used to accumulate chips in a multi-table tournament. Keeping pressure on your opponents by raising and re-raising is the most effective way to do this. If someone raises ahead of you then play more cautiously – especially if that opponent also has a big stack.

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