Learn Texas Holdem

So you know you want to play a sit-and-go. However, which one? You have more choices when it comes to sit-and-gos than you may realize. Here are some of the options you should probably consider before sitting down at your sit-and-go table.

Table Speed

These days, many online poker rooms have "turbo" sit-and-go options. These sit-and-gos move considerably faster than the traditional type. These turbo sit-and-gos allow you only 15 seconds to act on your hand and the blinds rise every five minutes. Many players enjoy not having to wait what seems like forever for opponents to act, but the short round times mean players will have to move fast if they want to progress.

Number of Players

The traditional sit-and-go has only nine or ten players. However, you can play a sit-and-go with as many as five tables or as few as only one other player. The most popular non-traditional sit-and-gos are six handed. In a six-handed game, you are going to have to play more hands, and attack and defend your blinds more aggressively since they come around so much faster. If you are playing a six-handed turbo game things will move really fast, so be prepared for serious action.

Buy-in

The amount of the buy in should represent a relatively small percentage of your bankroll. You may have to play a number of sit-and-gos before you cash, so you don't want your whole stake wiped out by one bad beat your first time out. On the other hand, you want to make sure that there is enough money on the line that you are motivated to play your best game. If you find yourself making many loose calls and putting your chips in indiscriminately, there may not be enough on the line to hold your interest.

Type of Players

Online poker provides a unique opportunity for players to observe their potential opponents before playing. On many sites, you will find the same players playing at the same level of sit-and-go repeatedly. Watch these players and make notes on the ones you think you may have an advantage over. If two or three sit and the same table, grab a seat fast, you could be looking at a big edge.