180 Player Poker Tournament Strategy

Taking a $12 shot at a 180 man poker tournament can be extremely lucrative if you have what it takes to get in the top 30. Clearly, no matter how good of player you are, you can run into an unlucky hand and get out in a heartbeat. However, the key is if you consistently have the ability to finish in the top 1/6th, you’ll put yourself in a favorable position to win relatively huge prizes. First prize in a 180 man, $12 buy-in will net you nearly $600.

To get in that top 30 spot, you need to take advantage of the timid players and take some chances early to build your chip stack. Once you do build a healthy chip stack, sit on it and wait for the top hands to play. You have a huge advantage with a big chip stack, but if you continue taking risks, you will eventually get chipped down.

I have had the most success when I play loose in the beginning but tighten up once I get more chips. In the home stretch (120/180 – 60/180) of the tournament, you have to be extremely patient. Know the tournament will take more than 3 hours (I play in the turbos because the regular tournaments drag) and value your chips with every play.