Pro's Corner with Doyle Brunson
Question 1: Once I have the big stack in a tournament, am I supposed to risk chips by stealing blinds, or do I just let everyone else play? What do I do if I get pocket aces, but several players go all-in ahead of my position?
Doyle Brunson's answer: You should take advantage of the power of your position, either in having the big stack or in having great hole cards. That's the beauty of the big stack. You can bully the table and win chips a lot easier. As far as pocket aces go, never ever throw pocket aces away. Even if other players go all in ahead of you, keep your aces and keep yourself in the game. But at all times, you should remember what your goal is in the tournament, winning the tournament or winning money. And if you make it to the last table, then your financial situation dictates play. If you are looking for a big payday, then you should play cautiously. But while that cautious play might line your pocket nicely, it might jeopardize your chances of winning the tournament. So if that is the goal, play more aggressively.
Question 2: I usually play the $1/$2 tables at the casino and never make any money. What tips would you offer for me to be more profitable per session?
Doyle Brunson's answer: It's hard to win at that level, and not just because of the size of the blinds. At such a low level, the players are a lot looser. If four, five or six players stay in every hand, it means that someone will probably turn up a strait or a flush. With so many players, it is easier to have extended losing streaks because the best hands don't mean anything. The best strategy is to look for small connecting straits. Stay in the hand as long as you have connecting cards. If you miss your hand, you can just throw it away and if you hit it, it's a lot more profitable.
Question 3: I have been playing a lot of tournaments on-line and winning. How do you know when you're ready to play in a live tournament with a $500, $1,000 or higher buy-in?
Doyle Brunson's answer: Moving from on-line to live play depends entirely on you. If you feel comfortable, you just have to. The best players have a sort of instinctive feel for the game, where in any one situation they can recall how it played out before. It is also good to remember that especially in tournament play you are not risking as much money as in real cash play. In tournaments, you play your cards but in cash games you play the other players.
Question 4: What is considered a legitimate raise when trying to steal blinds in a tournament when everyone has folded and you're on the button?
Doyle Brunson's answer: Simple. Your raise should be about the size of the pot, maybe a little more.