Final Table Play
Many poker players seem to freeze or get nervous when they reach final table. Somehow it seems foreign or they just tighten up too much and forget all the little moves that have actually allowed them to get to final table. Considering all things like image, blind stealing, pushing all in and managing stack sizes will ensure final table success.
Image
Knowing how the rest of the table thinks of you is very important to how you play your cards. If they view you as a gambler, they will look to target you when they have good cards and hope you bite the bait. If they view you as tight, they will continue to steal your blinds. Always know what they think of you and just play the opposite. Obviously each situation is different but always exploit your image against thinking players.
Blind Stealing
Always blind steal unless you have less than 12- 15 big blinds, where then it is just an all in push. Obviously hope that the two players on your left will not re-steal off you, but otherwise keep looking to pick up their blinds. At the lower limit poker games, they often will not play back at you so just keep stealing even with less than marginal holdings.
Pushing All In
Pushing all in always signals strength, and when you are tailing at the back of the chip count you are going to have to make a few steals or double ups to hunt for the title. Pushing all in from mid to late position with suited high cards or any pockets will often allow you to pick up easy blinds and then punish them when you push with a big hand and the players have stopped believing you.
Stack Size
Stack size is an important element to final table play. Look to see what your opponents have in relation to the blinds and whether they are likely to fold or not. Manipulate your own stack size to good effect when betting and thinking of whether to gamble or not.
Look to use these tips for effective final table play!
