Playing large field tournaments is like Horse racing. A horse generally cant have it both ways. that is he can't run extremely fast early and still have enough left in reserve to run fast late in the race. The horse that set a fast early pace might be out to a good lead but then usually is nowhere near the winner of the race at the finish line. The same is true in large field tournaments, you see that quick starter take the lead and either his luck does not hold up or players get a fix on his game and then gun for him, but generally he is not even at the final table. In a well paced race if a horse cannot get an easy lead to set the pace of his race, he will try to be in the group of front runners without exerting himself. Again in tournament play the smart player will try to get closer to the front leaders without taking uncalled for risk. In the back stretch the horse is getting comfortable with his pace settling in with the other horses and the jockey is looking for spots to make his move. In poker the smart player is settling down getting use to the field and viewing where he can make his moves. In the far turn and around the turn the horse will prepare for or start to make his move if it is available. In the tournament when the tournament is closing in on the money many of the shorter stacks will not take risk and want to make the money first, this is a good time for the aggressive player to make his move but only if the play is open. Now down the homestretch the horse is making his move for the lead and if he gets it he might not look back and just run out on the field and if that opportunity is not there then he might have to fight for the lead right up to the finish line. The same is true in poker getting to the last two tables the smart player is making his moves and tries to get upfront and then hopefully never look back and just take it to the finish. However in most cases it is a grueling battle to the winners circle. But the idea is to set a good pace without unnecessary risk and then try to coast to the final two tables with smart moves. Once at the final table...the game is on...and anything goes, but the goal is the win without taking donk risk's.
Last edited by CRAPSHOOT; 05-18-2008 at 03:14 AM.
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