A few years ago, when I first began playing on-line no-limit hold'em, it was like a roller coaster - way up and then way down, over and over. A friend suggested that I should get my on-line feet wet by starting out playing in sit n go tournaments. I had never played in a poker tournament. But at that point, I was ready to try anything that might offer some sanity and stability.
So, a little deflated but still confident, I jumped right in. And, promptly lost my first seven tournaments. Then, something strange happened. In my eighth sit n go, I won first place. Then, three tournaments later there was another first place finish. I did not have the foggiest idea of what had happened, or how I did it. But, I was hooked. In fact, sit n go tournaments are the only game I have since played. I never went back to ring games.
Instead, as you can probably tell, I have become absorbed in learning everything I can about these fascinating little games. Early on, I thought I could discover four or five simple, elementary rules, which if always followed, would ensure sit n go success. Naive me. Seems there are literally hundreds of strategies and thousands of tactics. Not to mention, all of the so-called secrets.
And, to really frustrate the matter, even if you learn and apply all of the strategies and tactics, you can still lose. The game is not pure science. It is also an art form, where creativity can hold as much sway as any formula. Then, there is the issue of luck. You rarely can win a tournament without a larger share of luck than your opponent.
Nevertheless, I kept searching and hoping to discover the elusive set of rules or code that would explain it all. Cracking the sit n go code - that has constantly been my ambition, my quest. To unlock The Da Vinci Code, if you will, of sit n go poker would be a dream come true.
Well, I am not sure if I have finally cracked the code, or not. But, I now know where it is hidden.
Indeed, there seems to be only a few somewhat elementary rules. Unfortunately, those simple rules can prove mighty difficult to apply. And, they do not guarantee absolute success, either. However, over the long run, they absolutely do separate the big winners from the marginal winners and the losers.
In other words, the few rules that make up the sit n go code are more like business best practices. Follow them and ultimately flourish. Or, break them and eventually flounder.
The rules were discovered by studying the playing statistics (stats) of a group of notable single-table sit n go winners (core group). Then, for verification, by contrasting those collective winning stats with the stats of losing players. Immediately, the correct way to play became abundantly clear.
In other words, the code is hidden within the playing stats of winning sit n go players.
However, I did not stop with the core group, but continued to check my findings against the stats of other winning players. My conclusions were always supported and confirmed. Consequently, there is no doubt in my mind that if a player were to mimic the stats of the winners, to be shown below, they too could become winners. It is almost that simple.
Yet, it is difficult. Because, unlearning bad habits and then learning good ones, is a very difficult task. And, one that can take a long time. Anyway, if you are seeking to improve, you now have in this article some of the more important of the rules for sit n go success. And, you will know where to go when you are ready to uncover the rest of the code.
The winning stats will be presented in a most frequently occurring range format. Ranges work well, because there will always be individual aptitudes and preferences. So, ranges allow for a certain amount of personal latitude or individuality, even within a regimen of best practices.
Even though every member of the core group were consistent and big winners, none matched every one of the prescribed winning ranges. Suggesting that everyone, even winners, have their small, well-hidden playing flaws, weaknesses, or personal preferences. And, suggesting also, that you need not strive for perfection in order to become a winner.
First though, there are eleven important understandings to keep in mind about strategy, statistics, and methodology:
1. Strategies and Stats Are General.
The stats, while collected at a full single-table, Turbo sit n go (the style I play exclusively), derive from the incomplete playing records of opponents who may play in a variety of tournament styles. So, neither the strategies nor the stat ranges should be thought of as specific to any style or level of sit n go, but rather as general.
The implied strategies will, in most cases, suitably overlap into different styles of tournament, as will the stat ranges. But, it is important to note that the style and level of each sit n go calls for a unique set of playing adjustments, which will require some degree of modification to the general strategies.
Once you understand and practice the general rules, the game specific adjustments should come relatively easy. As indeed, they are not much different than the opponent specific adjustments you already practice in any type of poker game.
2. Individuality Can Prevail.
As already mentioned, of the very many winning players analyzed, none rose to the level of perfect stats, but all did fall mostly within the ranges. Suggesting two things:
- First, that no one is perfect, nor even near perfect. Everyone could stand some improvement. And,
- Second, the factor of individuality definitely exists. That is, if you have relatively good stats to begin with, you can construct your own winning style of play.
This is so because every other opponent you might face, whether a winner or not, has their individual style, with their own brand or combination of strengths and weaknesses. Said another way, if two perfect players were to exist, and faced off, who would win? Theoretically, neither. But, more importantly two perfect players do not exist, not even one.
Furthermore, there may not even exist two equally matched players, even if both were equal in winnings. Because, the mismatch between the great variety of strengths and weaknesses would likely yield an advantage to one or the other. Meaning, that the matter of individuality would tend to shape a set of winning strategies different from anyone else, and in any given encounter could prevail, or not.
So, if you happen to be a beginner having a difficult time, do not lose hope. Even the best players with the largest winnings have weaknesses which you can exploit. And, with the help of the many playing aids available, you can immediately begin to target their weaknesses, hone your strengths, and over-all improve upon your game.
3. Dozens of Stats.
The player stats we will be considering are merely a few of the dozens of stats available. Since, we are relying upon my judgment to determine which of the stats are more important, there is a bit of personal bias. So, you will likely notice that the stats tend to focus on pre-flop aggression, flop aggression, and all-in play. For a variety of reasons, these are the most important stats for sit n go play.
A full consideration of all the stats is way beyond the scope of this already longish article. In fact, such a full consideration would require several articles, perhaps even a book. Suffice it all to say, that if you master these few important stats, you will be well on your way to becoming a consistent winner.
4. Article Biases.
Okay, I will be the first to admit it - there are biases scattered throughout this study. The core group sample size could have been larger. The stats are not exclusive to one type and level of sit n go. The ranges are not algorithmically prescribed. And, the designations of importance were personal selections, as were the interpretations of the strategies. But, I hope that when you see the finished product below, you will be willing to forgive these as minor infractions.
5. Core Group Sample Size.
While the sample size of the core study group could have been larger, when you include random comparisons with other winning players, and contrasts with losing players, the total number studied would come to hundreds of players. In fact, it is an on-going process - every time I play in a tournament.
However, the hands tracked for the core group is quite large - in the tens-of-thousands. So, between the large number of trials (hands tracked), the comparison group (random winners), and the control group (losers), these stats should prove very reliable.
6. Construction of Ranges.
As the data for the core group was accumulated, the winning range of stat distribution would become obvious. As in any distribution, there would be a few stats located at the extreme ends of the range. But, most of the data would cluster within a middle range. The ranges presented here represent my rather non-scientific attempt to winnow the range down into the narrowest cluster containing the bulk of the data.
Meaning that the ranges are the product of my personal interpretation of the data. Meaning further that the stats that fall slightly outside of the prescribed range could also represent an effective strategy. But, a stat with a large divergence from the range would likely represent an unsuccessful strategy or weakness.
7. Strategy and Stats Connection.
Regarding stats, playing stats are the measurement of the effectiveness of your strategy. Stats merely reflect, and thus describe strategy. Therefore, if you understand the underlying meaning of the stats, then you understand the strategy that spawned the stats. Thus, given enough trials (tracked hands), if your stats are bad, so is your strategy; and, if your strategy is bad, so will be your stats. Consequently, stats are the proof of the pudding, so to speak.
So, what is the connection between strategy and stats? The two are interdependent, connected, and provide continuous feedback. Your playing strategy will be reflected in your stats. When you compare your stats to better players, you will be able to identify your weaknesses. As your make adjustments in your play, as you attempt to change your stats, you will reinforce better strategy. As your stats improve, your strategy changes. Eventually, relying upon the feedback provided by your stats, you will have learned a new and better strategy.
8. Source of Stats.
Now, a word about the source of player stats - on-line poker tracking software. Software is the great equalizer - offering insights to guide improvement, bring hope, and remove fear. Of course, the element of luck, built into the game of hold'em, serves also as an equalizer. But, luck will only help in the short run. For long term gain, only the improvement of your game will help, and software can accelerate the process of improvement.
Now, in case you are wondering how you would ever find the software to know all of these stats, just go to my software site. You will find that there are plenty of services available to help you begin tracking and analyzing not only the stats of your opponents, but also your own stats. My favorite, and the source of this article's stats, is PokerEDGE.
But, a word of caution: some poker rooms prohibit certain software, so make sure that you understand the rules before you invest.
9. Stat Categories.
Essentially, there are two categories of stats - those that identify results, and those that identify actions. Result stats generally reflect the level of success of a player. While, action stats are somewhat more specific, in that they can be studied in order to determine an opponent's strategies, tactics, habits, inclinations, strengths, and weaknesses. In other words, actions lead to results, and results measure the effectiveness of the actions.
10. Hands Tracked Sample Size.
As with any statistical survey, the greater the sample size, the more reliable the results. So, when reviewing the playing stats of an opponent, the more hands tracked (sample size), the more likely that the stats reflect the strategy and style of the player. Too few hands tracked can yield stats that, for example, have been skewed by luck, learning curve, illness, or any number of factors.
Many, who are familiar with analyzing player stats, believe that the threshold of reliability is reached at around one-thousand hands tracked. The members of the core study group each had as a minimum two-thousand hands tracked, and usually many more. However, you can obtain a pretty good read of an opponent's style (looseness or tightness) with as few as one-hundred hands tracked.
11. Stat Values Could Differ.
The methodology for stat calculation could differ from one brand of tracking software to another. Thus, there could be some significant differences between the values for similar looking stats. Plus, it is possible that some software brands may offer some, but not all, of the stat calculations provided in this article.
What do all of the above understandings mean?
If I happened to have had experience in a different type of sit n go, had collected more data, used a computer program for data analysis, and employed a board of advisers, the ranges and their interpretations might have been different. Not better, just different; and, perhaps more precisely targeted.
But, even if my conclusions were subject to improvement, they are nonetheless sound. Because, at least in one very important test case, me, they have worked just fine.
The Sit n Go Code: (Stat - Range - Category - Strategy)
1. Win Dollars at Showdown - W$SD. Range - 53% to 56%. Category - results.
This stat is universally known. Obviously, if you win most of your showdowns, you should be a winning player. And, that is the case with the core group. Their win rate range is well above 50%. But, as you will see, it takes more than winning most of your showdowns to be a sit n go winner. While this stat is common, and of general interest, it is not that important to a sit n go player.
2. Pre-Flop All-in Win Dollars at Showdown - (PF-Allin) W$SD. Range - 50% to 55%. Category - results.
This is a stat that should really matter to a sit n go player, because pushing all-in pre-flop is a frequent occurrence throughout a tournament. And, later in the tournament, so is calling all-in. If you do not win these all-in showdowns, then you will be eliminated. If you are eliminated before making the money, then it does not matter at all that you may have garnered a high W$SD rate prior to that point.
See the difference now between the less significant W$SD stat, and winning the very significant all-in showdown?
3. Voluntarily Put Dollars In Pot Pre-Flop - VP$IP. Range - 9% to 14%. Category - actions.
This is perhaps the most important of the action stats, because it is the most telling. With this one stat, you can size up an opponent's playing style very quickly. You can know their degree of looseness or tightness. Consequently, with this stat you can estimate an opponent's starting hand range.
As a rule, the core group are an extremely tight bunch of players. They are not rocks, but real close. Typically, for example, you will not see them limping, completing their small blind, or calling a raise or re-raise. Generally, less than 19% is considered tight, and greater than 25% is considered loose. So, as you can see, they fall somewhere between real tight and ultra-tight.
4. Pre-Flop Raise - PF-Raise. Range - 7% to 8%. Category - actions.
Some consider 6% as the median point between a player who raises too much or too little. In the case of the core group, they tend to raise pre-flop a little more than most, but not too much. You could attribute this to smart, selective aggression. They pay attention, and seize the few extra opportunities to steal a pot that others miss. So, they do not raise too much, and thus arouse suspicion. They raise a normal amount, plus just enough more to keep their opponents on the defensive.
5. Pre-Flop Raise Win Dollars at Showdown - (PF-Raise) W$SD. Range - 53% to 56%. Category - results.
As this stat shows, when the core group raises pre-flop, they are often prepared to go to showdown, where they will often win. This would be an indication of skillfulness in targeting a weak opponent, starting hand selection, and post-flop play.
6. Pre-Flop Cold Call a Pre-Flop Raise - PF-ColdCall. Range - 2% to 5%. Category - actions.
When it comes to cold calling (no previous money in the pot) a pre-flop raise, the strategy of the core group is pretty straightforward - they don't. And, this is correct sit n go play.
Simply stated, there are just not enough chips in a sit n go to fund any uncertain actions. And, most of the time when an opponent raises, certainty will not be in your favor. So, by default, when confronted with a difficult decision, and to avoid additional difficult decisions, you make the safest decision, which is to fold.
7. Flop See Combined All Post-Flop Aggression - (FL-See) Aggr. Range - 2.5% to 3.5%. Category - actions.
This stat is a composite of three post-flop aggression stats - bets and raises on the flop, turn and river. This is the stat for revealing an opponent's post-flop aggression tendencies. Some consider that 2% is the median point between passive and aggressive play.
As you can see, the core group is not given to showing fear or timidity. Again, as a consequence of good position, starting hand selection, and opponent targeting, the core group confidently demonstrates that aggression will usually win the encounter.
8. Flop See Showdown See - (FL-See) SD-See. Range - 40% to 50%. Category - actions.
For ring play, some prescribe a preferred range of say, 20% to 25%. A range of 40% to 50% would be considered fatally loose for a ring game. Thus, this stat helps to demonstrate the strategic difference between full-table ring and full-table sit n go play.
The explanation is found in the core group's VP$IP stat range - the core group are very tight/aggressive players. When they enter a pot, their demanding conditions - for example, a premium holding - have been met. And thus, they are often prepared to go to showdown with their hand. They are also stubborn to a point, but mainly they have confidence in their decision.
9. Flop Aggression - FL-Aggr. Range - 3% to 4%. Category - actions.
This stat could be thought of as the continuation-bet (c-bet) stat. Although, that would not be entirely accurate. But, it does include, and thus gives an indication of c-betting frequency.
Given, that some believe 2% to be the median point, you can easily deduce that the core group are frequent c-bettors. Furthermore, since c-betting works best when last to act, you have here evidence that the core group tends to enter pots from late position.
10. Flop Bet Win Dollars at Showdown - (FL-Bet) W$SD. Range - 55% to 65%. Category - results.
This stat could be considered somewhat as the proof of the pudding - that the core group's pre-flop and flop strategies do in fact work very successfully.
11. Steal Blind Attempt. Range - 24% to 27%. Category - actions.
In a sit n go, survival, and very often victory, is often dependent upon how successful you are at stealing the blinds. If you do not try, you will surely die. Some consider 20% to be the median point. As you can see, the core group definitely understands the importance of measured trying.
As you can see, we could indeed write a book on this subject of strategy and stats. There are literally myriad of tournament variables that could be considered, and each has its own set of winning strategies and stats. But, even though this article offers only a relatively thin slice of the possibilities, it still renders a good, but not complete, picture of an all-around winning sit n go player.
Regardless of your playing style - tight-aggressive, loose-aggressive, small-ball, long-ball - as long as your fundamentals are correct, and you exercise good judgment in your decision making, you will be a long term winner. This will be the case despite being matched against winning opponents who also play their individual styles very well.
I would venture that the huge variety and complexity of winning styles is one of the big reasons for the worldwide popularity of sit n go hold'em poker. Because, you will always encounter some opponent whose strengths exploit your weaknesses, and whose weaknesses are exploited by your strengths.
The ensuing battle then goes around and around and around - never losing its challenge or interest.
The Bottom Line:
If you need to improve (and who doesn't?), you can use the above stat ranges to guide your improvement. Remember though, and do not get discouraged; when you try to improve, your game will usually get worse before getting better. Because, first there is the obstacle of learning, and then properly applying, the new ways of playing - also known as, the learning curve.
Then, it seems that with each adjustment in your game, you will create mis-adjustments, or expose new weaknesses, in other parts of your game. So, your game will often suffer during any period of adjustment and re-adjustment. It can take a long while to work out all the adjustments that will bring your game into alignment with your goal of a new and improved playing style.
The process of improving can be long and discouraging. Like the song says, just hold on tight to your dream.
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For complete information about my choice for poker tracking software, visit my website - PokerEDGE Online Poker Software.info.
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Copyright 2009 R. Steve McCollum
