Sit and Go (SNG) tournaments offer lower variance than multi-table tournaments while maintaining tournament poker's strategic depth. Mastering SNGs creates steady income.
SNG Structure: Standard SNGs feature 6-10 players, paying top 2-3 finishers. Typical payout structure: 50% first place, 30% second, 20% third. This top-heavy distribution heavily favors first place.
Early Game Strategy: With deep stacks and no antes, play conservatively early. Focus on implied odds hands (small pairs, suited connectors) and avoid marginal situations. Your goal is reaching the bubble with a playable stack.
Middle Game Transition: As blinds increase to 50/100 or 100/200, shift toward aggression. Steal blinds more frequently, and apply pressure to conservative players. This stage separates winners from min-cashers.
Bubble Dynamics: The bubble (4 players, 3 paid) creates extreme situations. Big stacks should attack relentlessly; short stacks must push aggressively or blind out; medium stacks face maximum pressure.
ICM Pressure: At the bubble, chip values become non-linear. Doubling your stack doesn't double your equity. This reality allows big stacks to bully and forces medium stacks into tight play.
Three-Handed Play: In the money, aggression increases as pay jumps narrow. Don't protect your cash—play to win. First place pays significantly more than third, making aggressive play correct.
Heads-Up Strategy: Heads-up requires aggressive play—raise most buttons, defend blinds widely, and apply constant pressure. Tournament heads-up differs from cash game heads-up due to increasing blinds.
Bankroll Requirements: SNGs have lower variance than MTTs. Maintain 50-100 buy-ins for your regular stake. This cushion handles variance and prevents emotional decision-making.
Game Selection: Avoid SNGs with multiple tough regulars. Seek games with recreational players or unfamiliar screen names. Lobby shopping improves hourly win rate substantially.
Multi-Tabling SNGs: Most winning SNG players play 4-12 simultaneous games. Start with 2-4 and increase gradually. More tables increase hourly rate but reduce win rate per tournament.
ROI Expectations: Winning SNG players achieve 5-10% ROI at low stakes, declining to 2-5% at high stakes. These percentages seem small but compound over thousands of games.
Hyper-Turbo SNGs: Hyper-turbos feature 3-minute blind levels, reducing play to push/fold strategy within minutes. These games require strict mathematical approach and offer less edge for skilled players.
Spin and Go: Lottery-style SNGs with randomized prize pools. Top-heavy payout structures (winner-take-all or 80/20 splits) increase variance dramatically. Approach these as high-variance entertainment.
Tracking Results: SNGs are easily tracked since each game is independent. Monitor ROI by stake, structure, and player count. This data identifies your most profitable formats.
Responsible Gaming: SNGs' short duration can encourage excessive playing. Set clear session limits and take breaks. If you're queuing into games mindlessly, you've lost discipline. Step back and refocus.