One of the fantastic features of on-line poker is the ability to play in multiple games at the same time. For the accomplished player, multitabling is a sure road to financial success.
Practically all of the largest winning sit n go players multitable. They are the multitabling sit n go sharks. You are likely to confront one or several of them in every sit n go that you enter. If you make it into the money, most likely one or more will be your competition. And as you might guess, they are really tough to beat. So, given that you will frequently be competing against these sharks, how do you deal with them? Hopefully, the following will shed some light, and answer the question.
First though, how about an ounce of prevention? Your tournament life will be so much easier if you simply avoid playing in a tournament with a multitabling shark. Prevention then, is about tournament selection.
Here are some prevention/selection measures:
- Watch for repeating names on the sit n go sign-up lists. These are the multitablers. Color code and enter a player note for each.
- Note whether a multitabler is one of the first or last to sign-up. This is usually an important distinction.
- If first, he is indiscriminately loading table after table. This could mean that he is a very A-B-C style player, who closely follows a fixed formula. Therefore, table selection is not a consideration. And, the competition does not matter. He knows that if he sticks to his formula, he will grind out a nice profit.
- If last, then this multitabling shark would appear to be exercising table selection. This could mean two things. First, that it is a good table. And second, that he will likely be a double threat: he will be playing his proven formula; and, he will be playing the players.
- Try to get an idea of how many tables a multitabler is playing. The more tables, say 10 to 20, the more formulaic his style of play will be. Thus, the less attention he will be paying to individual players. The more moves and plays he will miss. And generally, the more distracted he will be. And,
- If you have tracking software, note the total number of his tournaments. If more than say, 5,000, then you have a seasoned veteran on your hands.
On the other hand, you may want to play against these sharks from time to time in order to decipher their playing formula. There is a lot to be learned in watching their style of play.
Here are a few general things you are likely to observe:
- Extremely tight. Does not waste chips on completing the small blind, limping, or calling raises.
- In a single table tournament, frequently short stacked by short table play.
- Will not gamble early in the tournament.
- Will not crack under pressure.
- Very smart short table and bubble player. And,
- Early in the tournament, if it would mean elimination, will not call an all-in bet or raise without a premium hand. Namely, A-A, K-K, and maybe A-K.
Now the good part: how to beat the multitabling shark. Drawn from many encounters and observations, here are a few pointers:
- During full table play they usually play too tight. This is a good time to steal their blinds and pots. They are too prone to avoid risk, so be aggressive. But, don't get out of line.
- If they have become short stacked in the early short table rounds, then they are still playing too tight. Apply pressure. Force them to continue to surrender their blinds and pots. Force them to gamble to survive.
- When they start pushing back, set a trap. And,
- If they are deep into the tournament, and deep into their 10 or 20 games, look for signs of mental exhaustion and tilt. Help them to make a big mistake.
The objective is to cripple or preferrably eliminate them before they become a contender at the bubble. Remember, that no matter how great a player the multitabling shark may be, his strength is also his weakness.
So, find ways to exploit these typical weaknesses:
- Plays too tight.
- Gives up too easy.
- Won't gamble.
- Distracted.
- Doesn't have as good a read of the table mood and the players as you do. And,
- Doesn't know as much about you as you do about him.
Here is the bottom line:
First, try to avoid registering in a sit n go where a multitabling shark has already entered. If you do end up with one, try to eliminate him early in the tournament. That is the time when he is easiest to read and the most vulnerable. Stay out of his way if all else fails. But, that is not the answer. Because, at some later point in the tournament you will have to confront him. And, that is when he is usually at his strongest.
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If you were a member of my private poker site, Winning Turbo Sit n Go Secrets, you would have access to the following reports that deal with player stats and strategy, especially those of a multitabling shark. Plus, 1,000's more of winning sit n go tips, tactics, secrets, statistics, and strategies.
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Additional Reports:
PokerEDGE Player Types (Live link, click to view actual page.)
Contrasting a Loser with a Winner - Bomb and Shark
Contrasting a Loser with a Winner - Fish and Shark
Comparing Winners - Rock with a Shark
Contrasting a Loser with a Winner - Calling Station and Shark
Comparing Winners - Bomb with a Shark
Comparing Winners - RedFish with a Shark
Contrasting a Loser with a Winner - Caution Sign and Shark
Contrasting a Loser with a Winner - Maniac and Shark
Contrasting a Loser with a Winner - Shark and Shark
Contrasting a Loser with a Winner - Mouse and Shark
Comparing Winners - Shark with a Shark
Comparing Winners - Shark with a Shark
Sit n Go Code - Quick Summary
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Copyright 2009 R. Steve McCollum
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