Sit & Go - Complete Guide to Strategies and Tips
Sit & Go tournaments are one of the most popular and exciting ways to play online poker. Fast, dynamic and with unique strategies, SNGs offer a different experience from both cash games and traditional tournaments. Learn everything about Sit & Go and master this format.
What are Sit & Go?
Sit & Go tournaments (SNG) are poker tournaments that start as soon as there are enough players at the table. Unlike scheduled tournaments, there's no fixed start time - the tournament starts when the table fills up. They're generally faster than traditional tournaments and offer a unique gaming experience.
Sit & Go Characteristics
- Immediate start: Begin as soon as there are enough players
- Fast: Usually last from 15 minutes to 1 hour
- Fixed structure: Blinds increase at regular intervals
- Guaranteed prize pool: Prize value is known from the start
- Varied format: Can be heads-up, 6-max, 9-max or turbo
Types of Sit & Go
Regular Sit & Go (9-max)
The most common format. Starts with 9 players and ends when 3 remain, who split the prize pool. Blinds increase every 5-10 minutes, depending on structure.
Typical distribution: 1st place: 50%, 2nd place: 30%, 3rd place: 20%
Sit & Go 6-max
6-player version. Faster and more aggressive than 9-max format. Ends when 2 players remain, who split the prize pool.
Typical distribution: 1st place: 65%, 2nd place: 35%
Sit & Go Heads-Up
1 vs 1 format. The fastest of all. Starts with just 2 players and ends when one eliminates the other.
Distribution: 1st place: 100% (winner takes all)
Sit & Go Turbo
Accelerated version with blinds increasing faster. Tournaments last about half the time of regular ones, but require more aggressiveness.
Fundamental Strategies for Sit & Go
1. Early Stage
In the first levels, when everyone still has large stacks relative to blinds:
Strategy
- Play conservatively, similar to cash game
- Focus on premium hands and position
- Avoid unnecessary confrontations
- Build your stack gradually
- Observe more aggressive players to exploit them later
2. Middle Stage
When blinds start increasing and some players have already been eliminated:
Strategy
- Gradually increase aggressiveness
- Start stealing blinds from tight players
- Protect your stack when you're average
- Exploit players with small stacks
- Use your position to control pot size
3. Final Stage - Bubble Play
The most critical phase: when you're close to reaching the money (bubble):
Bubble Strategy
- If you have a large stack: Exploit players with medium/small stacks trying to survive
- If you have a medium stack: Be more cautious, avoid unnecessary confrontations
- If you have a small stack: You need to double or triple soon, be aggressive when you have a decent hand
- Avoid confrontations with other small stacks (unless you have a very strong hand)
- Focus on eliminating small stacks to secure your place in the money
4. ICM (Independent Chip Model)
ICM is a crucial concept in Sit & Go that calculates the real value of your chips based on prize pool distribution:
How ICM Works
- At the start, your chips are worth their proportional value of the prize pool
- As you approach the money, each chip is worth more
- On the bubble, eliminating a player significantly increases the value of your chips
- Decisions that are +EV (positive expected value) in cash game can be -EV in SNG due to ICM
Practical ICM Application
- On the bubble, avoid all-ins with marginal hands against medium/large stacks
- Exploit small stacks that need to double
- Be more conservative when you're guaranteed money
- Be more aggressive when you need to double to have a real chance of winning
5. Stack Management
In Sit & Go, your stack relative to blinds determines your strategy:
Large Stack (20+ big blinds)
You have flexibility. Can play more conservatively and wait for good opportunities. Use your stack to pressure players with smaller stacks.
Medium Stack (10-20 big blinds)
Danger zone. You need to be more selective, but also need to accumulate chips. Avoid unnecessary confrontations, but don't be too passive.
Small Stack (less than 10 big blinds)
Push-or-fold zone. You need to double soon or be eliminated. Be aggressive with decent hands. Push all-in with hands like A-x, K-x, pairs, suited connectors.
Advanced Tips for Sit & Go
1. Understand Blind Structure
Each SNG has a different blind structure. Know when blinds increase and adjust your strategy accordingly. In fast structures, you need to be more aggressive earlier.
2. Position is Crucial
In SNGs, position is even more important than in cash games, especially in final stages. Use your position to steal blinds and control pot size.
3. Learn Push/Fold Charts
When you have less than 15 big blinds, use push/fold charts to know when to go all-in and when to fold. This optimizes your decisions mathematically.
4. Multi-Tabling
SNGs are ideal for multi-tabling because they're fast and predictable. Start with 4-6 tables and gradually increase as you gain experience.
5. Manage Your Bankroll
For SNGs, have at least 50-100 buy-ins for the level you want to play. This protects you against natural downswings and allows you to play with confidence.
Common Mistakes in Sit & Go
Mistakes to Avoid
- Playing too tight early: You need to accumulate chips to have a chance in final stages
- Ignoring ICM: Making calls that are +EV in cash game but -EV in SNG
- Not adjusting for bubble: Continuing to play aggressively when you should be conservative
- Small stack and too passive: When you have few big blinds, you need to be aggressive
- Not using position: Missing opportunities to steal blinds
- Playing on tilt: Continuing to play after emotional losses
Play Sit & Go at PokerFi
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At PokerFi you'll find:
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- ♠Varied formats: 9-max, 6-max, heads-up
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- ♠Limits from micro to high stakes
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- ♠Exclusive bonuses and promotions for SNGs
Sit & Go Guides
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