Freerolls
are by far one
of the most common
types of tournaments
and for most players
learning how to
play poker, this
will probably
be their first
big tournament
played. Not only
do freerolls provide
you with the benefit
of being able
to build a bankroll
as cheaply as
possible but they
can provide you
with some of the
basic tools to
advance to the
next level. Of
course every game
has its drawback
and for freerolls
it’s
the large number
of players registered
and the fact that
you could be playing
for hours and
bubble not making
a cent for your
efforts. This
page is to provide
those who are
learning how to
play poker, or
enjoy playing
freerolls our
top tips to hopefully
avoid burning
out early.
Play
Tight
The
beginning of
any freeroll
is absolutely
wild with more
swings and
often
two or three
people all
in pre-flop.
These people
will not second
guess calling
a hand and
will often play
any two cards
suited or not
just to see
if they hit.
Although it
may seem like
luck is the
way to go, the
majority of
these players
will surely
bust before
the first hour,
no matter how
many stacks
they take with
them. Always
play tight during
the first hour
or two. Take
advantage of
their loose
play with premium
cards and if
by chance you
lose out to
lady luck
there is always
another game
waiting to be
had.
Adjust
Your Game to
Later Stages
If
you paid attention
to the players
during the
first
hour you will
have noticed
that they literally
dropped like
flies. Extremely
poor hands
were
played and
the
majority of
those
players are
no
longer around
to see the
first
break. Once
the
first break
is
over you will
have two kinds
of players
to
deal with – those
that managed to play the luck card and make it through, and those who relied
on basic strategy. The players who are still using luck will still be looking
for ways to double up and again will call with any two cards they think may
do it.
Make
yourself aware
of these players
and who they are
at your table.
The other opponents
will have made
it through based
on skill rather
than luck and
will more likely
play with common
sense and basic
strategies. As
the tournament
proceeds further
the luck players
should have dropped
out completely.
You will find
the game more
strategic then
before and the
majority of the
players left are
now out for the
money. Steal blinds
when you can,
bully opponents
when you can and
remember to take
the blinds from
the players who
have been sitting
out during most
of the game.
It’s Ok to Lose
The
fact is it
is
a freeroll
and
just like any
tournament
you’re not going
to win them all, and in the case of freerolls you will lose more than you win.
The majority of the players who do play freerolls are either complete novice,
those who don’t want to play with real money or in all honesty disregard
the game all together because it is free. Most poker rooms host freerolls around
the clock and as often as every few hours, which means you will have another
chance. Play with common sense, avoid falling into the luck trap and above all
else enjoy the game. |
