As the poker world prepares to congregate in London for two epic poker events, PokerListings.com players can be assured of two things: seats front and center at both, and a pocketful of cash to go with them. Now on the table at Pacific Poker for PokerListings players only: A $25,000 freeroll for a massive WSOP Europe prize package, monthly $5,000 cash freerolls and a private shot at the upcoming U.K. Open.
Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles (PRWEB) August 14, 2007 -- This fall, all poker roads are leading to London, England for two of the most prestigious events in Europe - the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe* and the 888.com U.K. Open.
PokerListings.com, the world's largest online poker guide, and 888.com flagship Pacific Poker, are ensuring their players are in the diamond lane all the way there, with two massive prize packages for the events up for grabs and a wave of cash freerolls along with them.
First up: A $25,000 World Series of Poker Europe* freeroll, open to all PokerListings players that earn just 50 comp points at Pacific Poker between June 1st and August 20, 2007.
The freeroll goes August 25, with the winner awarded a huge $22,000 prize package for the history-making WSOPE* Main Event starting Sept. 10. An extra $3,000 in cash will also be spread from position two down to a deep prize pool.
Shortly thereafter: A private $8,500 U.K. Open freeroll comes along for all PokerListings players who earn just 30 comp points by August 30, 2007.
That freeroll goes Sept. 7, with the winner taking a seat and travel expenses for the renowned 888.com U.K. Open in October.
"We know the WSOP Europe* is going to be epic," says Camilla Sundell, press secretary for PokerListings.com. "That's a given. With a relatively small field, a $20,000 buy-in and probably the most star-packed lineup poker has ever seen, that bracelet is going to be one of the most esteemed and sought-after accessories ever."
"So we're excited one of our players can be a part of that, absolutely," Sundell adds. "But don't sleep on the U.K. Open. It's a killer tournament in its own right, with a very, very solid line-up of European pros… and I wouldn't be surprised if a few of the heavy hitters from the WSOP stick around for the action too."
Also now on the table at Pacific Poker: Exclusive $5,000 monthly cash freerolls, open to all PokerListings players, new and existing, who collect 20 comp points in any given month.
Earning those points automatically qualifies you for the following month's freeroll, with the next scheduled one set to go September 16, 2007. There's no limit on how many you can play either - just keep collecting 20 points each month.
And, as always, for players who aren't yet members at Pacific Poker, signing-up through a PL link guarantees the biggest sign-up bonus in the industry - up to $150 at 50% match.
"This is definitely another win/win situation for our players," Sundell says. "Two wicked prize packages for two fantastic events, and even more free cash at one of the loosest and juiciest poker rooms going.
"The more our players can take advantage of it, the better."
About PokerListings.com
PokerListings.com was launched in 2003 and quickly became the largest online poker guide in the world. It provides poker players with in-depth analysis of all major online poker rooms, the world's best sign-up bonuses and promotions, breaking poker news and detailed content on strategy, tours, tournaments and the game's best players. PokerListings.com also has the best live poker tournament reporting on the Web, including unparalleled year-round coverage from the WSOP, the World Poker Tour, the European Poker Tour and more.
*World Series of Poker Europe and WSOPE are trademarks of Harrah's License Company, LLC or its affiliates (collectively "Harrah's"). Harrah's does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with, PokerListings.com or Pacific Poker or its products, services, promotions or tournaments. Any promotion or tournament on this site will not guarantee your seat or ability to register for any WSOPE event or any WSOPE affiliated event which is at the sole discretion of Harrah's.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
PIC-Club.com and Dynamic Gaming Systems Announce Business Affiliation
Author: www.pic-club.com
"PIC-Club.com will be providing both our PIC-Club and PIC-PAY services to all 13 poker rooms that are current members of the Dynamic Gaming Systems (DGS) network, as well as the four additional rooms that they will soon be activating" says Chuck Kidd, founder of United States Poker Players Inc. (USPPINC). “This will provide explosive growth for our company, allowing us to expand even further the unique services that we currently provide our membership,” he added.
PIC-Club.com is the branding recently created by Players Investment Company (PIC), a USPPINC subsidiary, to re-open the U.S. market to on-line Poker Rooms. PIC is poised to become the preferred method of deposit, both for U.S. and international players, by offering a range of financial services never before available.
Mr. Joey Jevaney, President of DGS, recently stated, “Other networks pulled out, but we made a commitment a year ago to support the U.S. market - the home of Texas Hold’Em. Because so many poker sites and networks abandoned the market we know there is room for tremendous growth there.”
Mr. Kidd responded, “… and we made a commitment to re-open the market to U.S. players. By making their deposits through the PIC-Club U.S. poker players will be using securities based transactions for banking, following the guideline for exemptions created by UIEGA last year. Simply put, we will be the best method for U.S. players to play on-line poker at these sites.” Jevaney and Kidd echoed similar sentiments in stating that their biggest job will be to secure the trust of the U.S. players. Both companies have pledged to be responsive to player’s needs. PICClub and PIC-PAY currently offer 24/7 support services to their respective clients.
PIC-Club.com members will manage their on-line bankrolls with features such as Instant Transfers between Poker Rooms, Player-to-Player Transfers, Members Only Freerolls and Tournaments, deposit bonuses and more. The company also has plans to add branded ATM cards, an on-line bill pay service, investment portfolio management and other financial services.
Kidd also stated that PIC would offer other services and features that no other company currently provides specifically to the on-line poker community. He said that even brick and mortar poker rooms will have reasons to affiliate with his company as on-line players will be able to pay for their play at traditional casinos with their branded ATM debit cards, a product that will create immediate access to funds.
“While we have seen a steady growth in membership these first three months of operation, this month has shown a marked increase in our rate of growth,” Kidd continued. “People are liking what we offer now, but when they have ten times the number of places to play, they will really appreciate the services of the PIC-Club!”
PIC-Club software and hardware are currently in use by both Eurolinx Poker, a member of the MicroGaming Network and Wingows Poker, on the DGS network. Besides the impending influx of DGS rooms, two others have already signed contracts with PIC and several more are in earnest negotiations to use this securities based system of transactions.
With software integration already underway, DGS and PIC are both aiming at a mid to late August launch for all DGS network rooms to be utilizing both the PIC-Club and the PIC-Pay services. Meanwhile, those who wish to play and try out the new banking software at PICClub. com, are invited to sign up now and test their poker skills at either Eurolinx Poker or Wingows Poker.
Several well-known on-line poker sites have already partnered with DGS on their poker software platform. DGS is best known for their poker software and principal franchise, Jungle Poker. Well-known and colorful U.K. poker personality, Bob “The Butcher” Clarke, also has a site at DGS called Butcher’s Poker.
Among the poker rooms on the DGS network are Wingow’s Poker, 444NutsPoker, 10 Large, Big Juicy Odds and Live for the Flop. Some of the sites have recently moved to DGS from previous poker software platforms in an effort to increase their player base, while others have been affiliated with DGS since it’s inception.
Other on-line poker rooms or networks that would like more details about Players Investment Company, The PIC-Club or the PIC-Pay service should visit www.pic-club.com, or contact Mr. Kidd directly at chuck@usppinc.com. A live, on-line support staff is available 24/7 to answer all questions for players who may wish to join.
"PIC-Club.com will be providing both our PIC-Club and PIC-PAY services to all 13 poker rooms that are current members of the Dynamic Gaming Systems (DGS) network, as well as the four additional rooms that they will soon be activating" says Chuck Kidd, founder of United States Poker Players Inc. (USPPINC). “This will provide explosive growth for our company, allowing us to expand even further the unique services that we currently provide our membership,” he added.
PIC-Club.com is the branding recently created by Players Investment Company (PIC), a USPPINC subsidiary, to re-open the U.S. market to on-line Poker Rooms. PIC is poised to become the preferred method of deposit, both for U.S. and international players, by offering a range of financial services never before available.
Mr. Joey Jevaney, President of DGS, recently stated, “Other networks pulled out, but we made a commitment a year ago to support the U.S. market - the home of Texas Hold’Em. Because so many poker sites and networks abandoned the market we know there is room for tremendous growth there.”
Mr. Kidd responded, “… and we made a commitment to re-open the market to U.S. players. By making their deposits through the PIC-Club U.S. poker players will be using securities based transactions for banking, following the guideline for exemptions created by UIEGA last year. Simply put, we will be the best method for U.S. players to play on-line poker at these sites.” Jevaney and Kidd echoed similar sentiments in stating that their biggest job will be to secure the trust of the U.S. players. Both companies have pledged to be responsive to player’s needs. PICClub and PIC-PAY currently offer 24/7 support services to their respective clients.
PIC-Club.com members will manage their on-line bankrolls with features such as Instant Transfers between Poker Rooms, Player-to-Player Transfers, Members Only Freerolls and Tournaments, deposit bonuses and more. The company also has plans to add branded ATM cards, an on-line bill pay service, investment portfolio management and other financial services.
Kidd also stated that PIC would offer other services and features that no other company currently provides specifically to the on-line poker community. He said that even brick and mortar poker rooms will have reasons to affiliate with his company as on-line players will be able to pay for their play at traditional casinos with their branded ATM debit cards, a product that will create immediate access to funds.
“While we have seen a steady growth in membership these first three months of operation, this month has shown a marked increase in our rate of growth,” Kidd continued. “People are liking what we offer now, but when they have ten times the number of places to play, they will really appreciate the services of the PIC-Club!”
PIC-Club software and hardware are currently in use by both Eurolinx Poker, a member of the MicroGaming Network and Wingows Poker, on the DGS network. Besides the impending influx of DGS rooms, two others have already signed contracts with PIC and several more are in earnest negotiations to use this securities based system of transactions.
With software integration already underway, DGS and PIC are both aiming at a mid to late August launch for all DGS network rooms to be utilizing both the PIC-Club and the PIC-Pay services. Meanwhile, those who wish to play and try out the new banking software at PICClub. com, are invited to sign up now and test their poker skills at either Eurolinx Poker or Wingows Poker.
Several well-known on-line poker sites have already partnered with DGS on their poker software platform. DGS is best known for their poker software and principal franchise, Jungle Poker. Well-known and colorful U.K. poker personality, Bob “The Butcher” Clarke, also has a site at DGS called Butcher’s Poker.
Among the poker rooms on the DGS network are Wingow’s Poker, 444NutsPoker, 10 Large, Big Juicy Odds and Live for the Flop. Some of the sites have recently moved to DGS from previous poker software platforms in an effort to increase their player base, while others have been affiliated with DGS since it’s inception.
Other on-line poker rooms or networks that would like more details about Players Investment Company, The PIC-Club or the PIC-Pay service should visit www.pic-club.com, or contact Mr. Kidd directly at chuck@usppinc.com. A live, on-line support staff is available 24/7 to answer all questions for players who may wish to join.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Online Poker FreeRoll Tournament Tips
One of the luxuries of playing online poker is the endless number of freerolls offered by poker rooms on daily basis. A freeroll is a muti-table poker tournament which requires no entry fee and awards a set prize pool paid by the sponsoring room. The poker room may also give away various other prizes such as gifts and entries into other real money tournaments. Freeroll prize pools vary from site to site as the larger more well known rooms tend to offer smaller prizes compared to the new rooms looking to expand their player databases. You will find most freeroll prize pools range between $100 to $1,000. Depending on the popularity of the room, you will be up against a filed of 500 up to 3,000 players.
Below are some tips you should follow when entering a freeroll tournament.
1.) Time is Valuable: Even though a freeroll costs you nothing, your still investing several hours of time into the contest- therefore treat the event as a real money tournament. Many players are carelessly pushing all-in with marginal hands and simply try to double up early to build a large chip stack for the later stages. You should respect your opponent’s raises and be aware that many of them are going to commit their hand and push all-in. Unlike a real money multi-table tournament, instead of players starting out tight and conservative early in the game you will notice a loose aggressive style in the first couple of rounds.
Every Monday night Bodog.com has a $40,000.00 Guaranteed with a $50+5 buy-in at 8:30 PM EST.
2.) Selective Aggression: Keep in mind you will be seated at a full table for the majority of the tournament with players being knocked out left and right. More importantly there will be new players moved to your table often and you be moved from time to time. This leaves little time pick up on your opponent’s playing style, strengths, or weaknesses. For this reason it’s important you play your hands strong and be prepared to be tested. If you’re playing pocket Kings or Queens and see a flop which helps, don’t slow play. Keep pushing the aggressive momentum with strong bets and if you are re-raised be ready to put your opponent all-in. Most players are willing to put their tournament life at risk on a draw and if you put them to the test they will likely pay you off.
3.) Table Position is Important: Anytime you are able to limp in from a strong table position you should take the opportunity. Say for example your dealt 10 J suited and you are last to act. Only one player has limped in, the rest have folded and the action is over to you- take the opportunity to limp in here. The small blind and big blind are most likely holding weak hands so your chances of being raised pre-flop are slim. Now if you are first to act holding the same hand with the betting just under way, best you fold your hand and not take the chance of being raised into a pot your have a marginal chance of winning. Position is critical as blinds increase fast and chip stacks are drastically changing, you should look for cheap flops throughout the tournament.
4.) Don’t Bluff: This is not the time or place you want to start showing off your bluffing skills. Most of the advanced players participating in a freeroll are often playing at multiple sites, several freerolls at a time. They are willing to call you down to the river with just about anything. If they are involved in a hand, they are most likely holding top pair, or better. If you are able to make the final table, and you’re holding a solid chip lead- then you are free to make some positional raises, semi-bluffs, buy pots, etc. Until that point, I highly recommend you stay away from the bluffing strategy until most of the field has been knocked out and you are down to the final stages of the tournament.
5.) Avoid Chasing: Keep in mind- being knocked out of a freeroll doesn’t come with the same sting as being felted from a $200+20 tournament. Instead of taking a financial hit and being limited with future tournament play, all you have to do is sign up again. For this reason avoid chasing. Players are playing in all-in mode most of the time. Chances are you will miss your draw and you will end paying the price on the river. If you feel you must chase, be ready to commit your entire stack to the hand and limit yourself with this dangerous strategy. In the end chasing during a freeroll will result in an all-in raise from your opponent putting your tournament life at risk on a draw.
Written by Dan Cooper
Below are some tips you should follow when entering a freeroll tournament.
1.) Time is Valuable: Even though a freeroll costs you nothing, your still investing several hours of time into the contest- therefore treat the event as a real money tournament. Many players are carelessly pushing all-in with marginal hands and simply try to double up early to build a large chip stack for the later stages. You should respect your opponent’s raises and be aware that many of them are going to commit their hand and push all-in. Unlike a real money multi-table tournament, instead of players starting out tight and conservative early in the game you will notice a loose aggressive style in the first couple of rounds.
Every Monday night Bodog.com has a $40,000.00 Guaranteed with a $50+5 buy-in at 8:30 PM EST.
2.) Selective Aggression: Keep in mind you will be seated at a full table for the majority of the tournament with players being knocked out left and right. More importantly there will be new players moved to your table often and you be moved from time to time. This leaves little time pick up on your opponent’s playing style, strengths, or weaknesses. For this reason it’s important you play your hands strong and be prepared to be tested. If you’re playing pocket Kings or Queens and see a flop which helps, don’t slow play. Keep pushing the aggressive momentum with strong bets and if you are re-raised be ready to put your opponent all-in. Most players are willing to put their tournament life at risk on a draw and if you put them to the test they will likely pay you off.
3.) Table Position is Important: Anytime you are able to limp in from a strong table position you should take the opportunity. Say for example your dealt 10 J suited and you are last to act. Only one player has limped in, the rest have folded and the action is over to you- take the opportunity to limp in here. The small blind and big blind are most likely holding weak hands so your chances of being raised pre-flop are slim. Now if you are first to act holding the same hand with the betting just under way, best you fold your hand and not take the chance of being raised into a pot your have a marginal chance of winning. Position is critical as blinds increase fast and chip stacks are drastically changing, you should look for cheap flops throughout the tournament.
4.) Don’t Bluff: This is not the time or place you want to start showing off your bluffing skills. Most of the advanced players participating in a freeroll are often playing at multiple sites, several freerolls at a time. They are willing to call you down to the river with just about anything. If they are involved in a hand, they are most likely holding top pair, or better. If you are able to make the final table, and you’re holding a solid chip lead- then you are free to make some positional raises, semi-bluffs, buy pots, etc. Until that point, I highly recommend you stay away from the bluffing strategy until most of the field has been knocked out and you are down to the final stages of the tournament.
5.) Avoid Chasing: Keep in mind- being knocked out of a freeroll doesn’t come with the same sting as being felted from a $200+20 tournament. Instead of taking a financial hit and being limited with future tournament play, all you have to do is sign up again. For this reason avoid chasing. Players are playing in all-in mode most of the time. Chances are you will miss your draw and you will end paying the price on the river. If you feel you must chase, be ready to commit your entire stack to the hand and limit yourself with this dangerous strategy. In the end chasing during a freeroll will result in an all-in raise from your opponent putting your tournament life at risk on a draw.
Written by Dan Cooper
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Effective Freeroll Poker Play
Poker freeroll success hinges on a few aspects that are not always apparent in high stakes poker. Understanding the differences in play between freerolls and cash entries can increase your bankroll over time.
Freerolls versus Cash Entry Poker
Even with a basic or advanced knowledge of poker, playing in a freeroll is very different then a cash entry game. Since freerolls are predominantly multi-table tournaments, that will be the focus of this article. However, most of the advice can be used for single table or cash games as well.
Freeroll is just as it sounds – there isn’t anything, cash or otherwise, required to play. Most freerolls will offer a small cash prize pool. Unless it is a large promotional tournament, prize pools typically range from $2 to $50 and are split based on the amount of players (normally the top 10 percent receive prizes). Freeroll tournaments may be limited from 80 to 100 players in live casinos while online tournaments may be limited from 300 to 5000 players or beyond.
This article will assume that you have had a small amount of exposure to the game of poker (in particular, Texas Hold’em). Poker terms will be used that should be elementary to a beginning player before he steps up to the table. If there are items that do not appear clear, it is suggested that you consult a beginner’s guide on poker and return to this article when you are comfortable sitting down at a tournament table and knowing the process and lingo used.
Concepts to keep in mind while playing in a freeroll
The main point to keep in mind at any freeroll is that anyone can attend. It’s true that the total amount of players may be limited but the average skill level will be relatively low as new players are less likely to spend money to play and higher skill players prefer not to mix with lower skill players. Beginning players are more likely to desire to play for hours with little to gain but the experience. Highly skilled players can go to a cash tournament and make those hours pay off more.
The number one reason for higher skilled players to shy away from freerolls is that the predictability of players is very difficult. With highly skilled players, the starting hands they are willing to play or raise with will be premium hands. In a freeroll with lesser skilled players, any two cards could be in the hand of your opponent across the table. Having at least a small hint of what your opponent’s cards are can help decide whether to call or fold.
Concept #1: In freerolls, any two cards look good to a beginner and can be sitting in front of them.
The next concept in making a freeroll pay off is to play mostly premium hands. In my own experience, I tend to play poor starting hands when the blinds are very low. I will attempt to catch a monster hand that will net me a sizeable amount of chips. However, by playing poor starting hands, even if I catch a good flop or turn, there is still the possibility of a premium hand catching a winner on the river. Therefore, even though I will admit to playing poor hands early, I still stand by my recommendation to only play premium starting hands. And make sure you have patience. You may get six to eight poor hands in a row before getting cards that are right to play.
If you aren’t sure what premium hands are, we are talking about AA, AK, KK, etc. - hands that are going to be statistically ahead of your opponents’ most of the time before the flop. Playing premium hands does not just mean calling any bet. It means evaluating your hand, the current blinds, your position at the table, and your opponents. You will learn how to put all of these together as your skill level grows. If you are at a beginning level, then my suggestion is to raise at least 4 times the blind (e.g. the big blind is $50, your bet should be at least $200) regardless of the situation. As your skill level grows, you will learn when to make it an even higher bet.
The purpose of a raise before the flop is to attempt to move out as many of the players as you can. As mentioned before, there will still be players who are calling with their poor cards. But at least this means that you are going into the flop with an advantage.
Concept #2: Very rarely, if at all, should you limp in (e.g. just calling the big blind) prior to the flop. Your raise should be a minimum of four blinds.
Once you have reached the flop, the next concept you should understand is that freerolls will bring a lot of bluffs. When you see a good hand in front of you in a freeroll, you should assume that you are going to make some money from it. When players are bluffing, they are going to be walking right into your hands.
Bluffs are usually spotted with “overbetting the pot”. If your opponent truly has a great hand, they’re going to want to bet a smaller amount to get you to call. If their hand is shaky, they will be going “over the top” with either an all-in or a huge bet in an attempt to get you to fold. If you have nothing, it is easy to fold. However, depending on the rank of your hand (did you go in with a premium hand and do you have a pair, trips, straight, or better), you will either want to call an all-in or go all-in yourself to force their hand. This advice is not 100% foolproof as there will be times that your opponent does have a better hand or will catch a miracle card before the hand is over. But poker is a game of percentages. The best play is to get your chips in when the percentages favor you.
As you play, you will also get to know some tells that will help you determine if a player is bluffing. Again, with freerolls, there will be more beginners who don’t realize that they give off tells. Some of these can be strange behavior they haven’t displayed before in the tournament when they have a great hand; making calls out of turn because they are nervous; refusing to look at you; etc.
The final reason for more bluffing is the entry fee – nothing. Players are much more likely to bluff knowing that if they are knocked out of a tournament, they won’t lose anything but a little pride. So take a look at them and then your hand before deciding to muck. It may be that you stand to win a sizeable pot.
Concept #3: Bluffing is more prevalent in a freeroll tournament. Work to determine any patterns of players at the table that may help you decide whether to risk it all or not. And remember that the reverse is true – don’t bluff too much yourself because there will be more players willing to call your hand.
Now that you’re rolling along in the tournament, there is one final concept that may not seem logical but read on – you should not be worried about winning the tournament. While it is a great feeling to win a tournament, whether there are 15 or 2000 players, your goals in freerolls should be twofold. You should want to learn and you should want to build up a bankroll.
If you aren’t patient or you are trying to build up your chip stack too quickly, you are going to be subject to leaving a tournament too early. Many players feel that they need to build up a large chip stack early in order to win and in the process will go out prior to the winning group. If you just look to build your stack steadily and hang around until the winnings begin to be paid, you will see that your overall bankroll will continue to grow.
Part of this concept is to fold hands later in the tournament that you may wish to play. However, as you approach the bottom of the winnings and the blinds are going up, you should be keeping as many chips as you can. This will allow others to play themselves out of the tournament and allow you to reap the benefit. By all means, if you have an exceptional starting hand, play it. But bet large, most of the time all-in, and attempt to take down the larger blinds. If you are called and are holding an exceptional hand, you are likely to win and improve your standings that much more.
But if you are near the “bubble” (the few spots just before winning any prizes), don’t be afraid to just ride out the blinds and take a smaller guaranteed prize versus trying to build up your stack and ending up on the rail with nothing.
Concept #4: Play to get into the prize range rather than trying to win it all. In the long-run, several smaller prizes will be better then one first place finish. And you will have gained more experience by seeing more hands played.
Get comfortable with your own style of play
I have given you some steps to building a consistent bankroll using freerolls. However, no one plan will ever be perfect for everyone. You should take these basic concepts and mold them to your playing style and personality as you gain experience.
My final caveat is to make sure that you do not decide to raise the stakes prematurely. Many players decide to jump into cash entry tournaments too early and will lose much more then they gain both in money and experience. Be patient and make sure you are ready before jumping in with the sharks at a cash entry tournament.
Good luck and may the cards flop your way.
BY WAYNE GRAY
Freerolls versus Cash Entry Poker
Even with a basic or advanced knowledge of poker, playing in a freeroll is very different then a cash entry game. Since freerolls are predominantly multi-table tournaments, that will be the focus of this article. However, most of the advice can be used for single table or cash games as well.
Freeroll is just as it sounds – there isn’t anything, cash or otherwise, required to play. Most freerolls will offer a small cash prize pool. Unless it is a large promotional tournament, prize pools typically range from $2 to $50 and are split based on the amount of players (normally the top 10 percent receive prizes). Freeroll tournaments may be limited from 80 to 100 players in live casinos while online tournaments may be limited from 300 to 5000 players or beyond.
This article will assume that you have had a small amount of exposure to the game of poker (in particular, Texas Hold’em). Poker terms will be used that should be elementary to a beginning player before he steps up to the table. If there are items that do not appear clear, it is suggested that you consult a beginner’s guide on poker and return to this article when you are comfortable sitting down at a tournament table and knowing the process and lingo used.
Concepts to keep in mind while playing in a freeroll
The main point to keep in mind at any freeroll is that anyone can attend. It’s true that the total amount of players may be limited but the average skill level will be relatively low as new players are less likely to spend money to play and higher skill players prefer not to mix with lower skill players. Beginning players are more likely to desire to play for hours with little to gain but the experience. Highly skilled players can go to a cash tournament and make those hours pay off more.
The number one reason for higher skilled players to shy away from freerolls is that the predictability of players is very difficult. With highly skilled players, the starting hands they are willing to play or raise with will be premium hands. In a freeroll with lesser skilled players, any two cards could be in the hand of your opponent across the table. Having at least a small hint of what your opponent’s cards are can help decide whether to call or fold.
Concept #1: In freerolls, any two cards look good to a beginner and can be sitting in front of them.
The next concept in making a freeroll pay off is to play mostly premium hands. In my own experience, I tend to play poor starting hands when the blinds are very low. I will attempt to catch a monster hand that will net me a sizeable amount of chips. However, by playing poor starting hands, even if I catch a good flop or turn, there is still the possibility of a premium hand catching a winner on the river. Therefore, even though I will admit to playing poor hands early, I still stand by my recommendation to only play premium starting hands. And make sure you have patience. You may get six to eight poor hands in a row before getting cards that are right to play.
If you aren’t sure what premium hands are, we are talking about AA, AK, KK, etc. - hands that are going to be statistically ahead of your opponents’ most of the time before the flop. Playing premium hands does not just mean calling any bet. It means evaluating your hand, the current blinds, your position at the table, and your opponents. You will learn how to put all of these together as your skill level grows. If you are at a beginning level, then my suggestion is to raise at least 4 times the blind (e.g. the big blind is $50, your bet should be at least $200) regardless of the situation. As your skill level grows, you will learn when to make it an even higher bet.
The purpose of a raise before the flop is to attempt to move out as many of the players as you can. As mentioned before, there will still be players who are calling with their poor cards. But at least this means that you are going into the flop with an advantage.
Concept #2: Very rarely, if at all, should you limp in (e.g. just calling the big blind) prior to the flop. Your raise should be a minimum of four blinds.
Once you have reached the flop, the next concept you should understand is that freerolls will bring a lot of bluffs. When you see a good hand in front of you in a freeroll, you should assume that you are going to make some money from it. When players are bluffing, they are going to be walking right into your hands.
Bluffs are usually spotted with “overbetting the pot”. If your opponent truly has a great hand, they’re going to want to bet a smaller amount to get you to call. If their hand is shaky, they will be going “over the top” with either an all-in or a huge bet in an attempt to get you to fold. If you have nothing, it is easy to fold. However, depending on the rank of your hand (did you go in with a premium hand and do you have a pair, trips, straight, or better), you will either want to call an all-in or go all-in yourself to force their hand. This advice is not 100% foolproof as there will be times that your opponent does have a better hand or will catch a miracle card before the hand is over. But poker is a game of percentages. The best play is to get your chips in when the percentages favor you.
As you play, you will also get to know some tells that will help you determine if a player is bluffing. Again, with freerolls, there will be more beginners who don’t realize that they give off tells. Some of these can be strange behavior they haven’t displayed before in the tournament when they have a great hand; making calls out of turn because they are nervous; refusing to look at you; etc.
The final reason for more bluffing is the entry fee – nothing. Players are much more likely to bluff knowing that if they are knocked out of a tournament, they won’t lose anything but a little pride. So take a look at them and then your hand before deciding to muck. It may be that you stand to win a sizeable pot.
Concept #3: Bluffing is more prevalent in a freeroll tournament. Work to determine any patterns of players at the table that may help you decide whether to risk it all or not. And remember that the reverse is true – don’t bluff too much yourself because there will be more players willing to call your hand.
Now that you’re rolling along in the tournament, there is one final concept that may not seem logical but read on – you should not be worried about winning the tournament. While it is a great feeling to win a tournament, whether there are 15 or 2000 players, your goals in freerolls should be twofold. You should want to learn and you should want to build up a bankroll.
If you aren’t patient or you are trying to build up your chip stack too quickly, you are going to be subject to leaving a tournament too early. Many players feel that they need to build up a large chip stack early in order to win and in the process will go out prior to the winning group. If you just look to build your stack steadily and hang around until the winnings begin to be paid, you will see that your overall bankroll will continue to grow.
Part of this concept is to fold hands later in the tournament that you may wish to play. However, as you approach the bottom of the winnings and the blinds are going up, you should be keeping as many chips as you can. This will allow others to play themselves out of the tournament and allow you to reap the benefit. By all means, if you have an exceptional starting hand, play it. But bet large, most of the time all-in, and attempt to take down the larger blinds. If you are called and are holding an exceptional hand, you are likely to win and improve your standings that much more.
But if you are near the “bubble” (the few spots just before winning any prizes), don’t be afraid to just ride out the blinds and take a smaller guaranteed prize versus trying to build up your stack and ending up on the rail with nothing.
Concept #4: Play to get into the prize range rather than trying to win it all. In the long-run, several smaller prizes will be better then one first place finish. And you will have gained more experience by seeing more hands played.
Get comfortable with your own style of play
I have given you some steps to building a consistent bankroll using freerolls. However, no one plan will ever be perfect for everyone. You should take these basic concepts and mold them to your playing style and personality as you gain experience.
My final caveat is to make sure that you do not decide to raise the stakes prematurely. Many players decide to jump into cash entry tournaments too early and will lose much more then they gain both in money and experience. Be patient and make sure you are ready before jumping in with the sharks at a cash entry tournament.
Good luck and may the cards flop your way.
BY WAYNE GRAY
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