07-14-04, LearnTexasHoldem:

Final 3-4 Players

Question: I regularly play in No Limit Texas Hold'em Tournaments with friends. We usually have about 8 people and are low stakes with just a 5 dollar buy in. I feel i am a decent player and have read a number of poker books, and i do win more than my share of times. But one thing i realized is that i really have no clue how to play once it gets down to 3-4 players. I was wondering if u have adjusted starting hand rankings for fewer players or could give me some idea how many hands become playable in this situation. Thanks for the help!

Top 3 Beginner Rooms

Answer: When it gets down to 3-4 people you really need to open up your game. With four people, you'll still play fairly tight under-the-gun because you aren't forced to put any chips in. On the button and in the blinds you'll loosen up. You always want to be the aggressor instead of the caller since the aggressor can win the hand with the best cards or by getting the person to fold.

Some hands that do well in these situations are any pair, any card with an Ace, and any two cards Ten or above. You can also throw in some Kx and Qx. Hands with deuces and threes aren't good because you can't it a decent pair with them and feel confident. Suited connectors can be played, like 67s but you'll need to be the aggressor to win since catching a hand with them is unlikely. If you are short stacked then any pair or Ace is good enough to put the rest of your money in with.

If you are the large stack then you can push people around a bit but remember that doubling a person through twice can now make you the short stack. When people are getting short on chips expect a call so unless you have to play or have a good hand, save your chips for a better time. For example, you wouldn't want to put a person all-in when you have 67. That won't do well heads up, you would prefer K5 or J9 or some other hand with some high card strength.

Post flop is eventually where everything will be settled so work out some strategy in your head. Once again position matters since you can see what the other guy does before you have to play. If you're friends are weak players then exploit that with your position by betting whenever they check if you have anything reasonable (pair, any draw, or even ace high).

Also, remember to lower your "good hand" meter since in 3-4 player games, even middle pair is a solid hand. Don't worry about someone slow playing you, deal with that when it arises. Most likely they have very little if they check.

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