Medium Stakes SNG Strategy

Making the move from low limit SNG's to medium stakes

Let's assume that you've been playing lower limit Sit n' Go's for some time now and you're ready to move up in limits. Before you jump in and begin playing these limits (typically, middle stakes SNG's are considered $30.00 to $100.00 to buy in), let's review the following checklist:

• You have a positive ROI from your SNG sessions (Free tools such as SharkScope can provide this information if you don't have it available. You should strongly consider tracking this with a tool such as Poker Office moving forward)
• You have at least 50 buy-ins at the level SNG you're looking to now play (IE, $50.00 SNG needs a $2,500 bankroll)
• A clear mind, lot's of free time, and the poker strategy to grind it out at the SNG tables

So now that you're ready to move to middle stakes SNG's, what part of your game should you change?

Don't tinker with your SNG strategy too much

The key to being a successful middle limit SNG player is the small adjustments to your game. Fundamentally, the play at this level is much more predictable. Unlike small stakes SNG players, these players are focused on building a bankroll, and in many cases earning a living playing poker online. Of course, there are weak/loose players at every level so there's no question you'll encounter them here as well. Overall though, you will see a tighter game from most players here. So what adjustments are necessary at this level?

Again, if you had a solid ROI from your small stakes play, you will be making smaller incremental adjustments here at the middle stakes level. For this article we will focus on two of the major adjustments to your game:

1. Semi-bluffing - You will need to semi-bluff more often at this level because it's easier to get an experienced player off a weak hand than a weaker (small stakes) player. While an ABC approach works best at the lower limits, middle stakes players understand hand values. In other words, they will fold a weaker hand with a scary board more often. Semi-bluffing works well because even if you're on big draw, you can sometimes take down a pot without the risk of having to bluff the river to take down a pot.
2. Positional play - You'll find that middle stakes players will very often release hands in the blinds. If it's folded to you and you're on the button or late position, it's wise to raise with any Queen, King, or Ace in your hand. Again, while many low stakes will defend their blind because "they see it on TV" most middle stakes players will take into account their position, chip count, and number of elimination to the bubble.

There's much more to tweak here as part of your game at this level so this article is only skimming the surface. Our main point here is help you evaluate where you game currently ranks and ensure you have the basic tools to make this move. There are many books available as well that discuss this subject so to tackle it with one article is difficult. So take this information as a foundation and take the next step to building your poker bankroll to even higher levels!