Here’s the chart showing where we are at:
Late Stage Basics
Note: the basics section is just a general overview. Depending on the M status we are in, the actual play could change.
Another very difficult stage to play. At least now the blinds are bigger which means we are justified in pushing all-in more often. If we have a big stack, we are making more semi-bluffs – putting pressure on the little stacks. If we are a short stack or just average, we are typically pushing all in. One key point in this section is the concept of not letting your stack get below 1000 chips. Many times, you will about to be blind in the blind and your stack is currently 1100 chips – blinds will make your stack about 800 once they are done with you. Because of this big leap, you are instructed to push all-in right before the blind comes in many situations. Details are provided in the appropriate sections. Normally, since you will have played tight and conservative in the early and middle stages, people will assume you have a hand and fold to you.
Tight play (about the same as middle – without the drawing hands). We are avoiding drawing hands unless our M is huge. We are mostly pushing all-in or folding in this section. We also will come over the top of someone’s raise with good hands AK,QQ+ typically. This is a big move that gives us a good edge. This makes our play very aggressive in some cases.
Tight play (slightly tighter than in middle stage):
We are not getting involved in many pots.
Since the blinds are bigger now, we pretty much don’t limp in. Drawing hands are avoided – very few rare cases where its ok – our stack must be huge.
We are now going to have to play some coin flips – to keep from getting blinded out. It will be more common to raise all-in knowing that you probably will be called. If you think you have a coin flip, this is ok since if you win you will be in a very good spot. You have to start to racket up the playing at certain points – like when you are about to go under the 1000 chip mark.
Our image should be tight at the table. This is the stage where we need this image. Also – for the next stage. Do or Die.
For all M’s in late stage the following play is allowed: Any two cards Call (your stack is huge compared to his 10X)
Late, M: 20+
Description:
You are in excellent position. We have the chips to play drawing hands and to make probe bets if needed. Don’t waste your chips though. To have this many chips in the late stage of the tourney means you definitely had at least two good double ups.
Since your stack is huge compared to most other peoples, start looking for the following play:
Any two cards Call (your stack is huge compared to his 10X): Again, you are looking to grow your stack without risking much of it.
Special Note: In late stage, if your M is 20+ you are a favorite to win. You should be playing this stack very aggressively – just like the medium stage case. Not as aggressive as you will on the bubble though! Keep the pressure on people but don’t waste your chips. There is no reason why you should not land ITM.
Raising 3BB or All-in?:
You are definitely able to raise 3BB. You want to avoid confrontations with big stacks. A big stack is defined as anyone who has about half the number of chips you do. In this case, you are the big stack. You still don’t want to mess with anyone who has about 3000 chips. They could still put a hurting on you.
Pre-flop Starting Hands:
Same as middle M: 20+
You are allowed to use the Semi-Bluff: Big Stack Continuation Bet play: Do this if you are against a small stack and he checks to you or shows general weakness.
Post-flop Play (flop,turn,river):
Same as middle M: 20+
You are allowed to use the Semi-Bluff: Big Stack Continuation Bet play: Do this if you are against a small stack and he checks to you or shows general weakness.
