A Sit n Go (SNG) poker tournament may be split into separate stages from a strategy point of view. This article looks at strategy for the opening part of the SNG - stage 1..

Basics of the SNG early stage …

Some expert SNG tournament players believe that the main aim of the stage 1 section of the SNG is to build on the number of chips for a later stage of the tournament. The name of the game therefore in the early stages of the SNG poker tournament appears to be tight play.

In the stage 1 part of the SNG tournament, it is recommended to play the game very tight. At this stage, there are small blinds and many SNG gamers would advise that it is not worthwhile to take large risks at this step, especially when the possible winnings are low. In such a scenario, there is a possibility that a player may lose a significant part of the stack. It is therefore in a player's best interests to try to build up stack so that proper bets may be made in the second stage of the SNG.

It is best to be rather tight-fisted with one's chips in the early stages of an SNG. In stage 1, it is recommended only to risk chips at a low investment when there is the opportunity for a large pot win.

Points to note in stage 1 of an SNG …

* At this stage of the game it is a shame to waste chips in the hope of getting lucky. It is probably not worthwhile to waste chips on a small pot in stage 1 of an SNG. A player should bear in mind that such chips may be put to good use in the later stages.

* It is recommended to keep an eye on the level of the blinds.

* It is advisable to keep risk and / or investment to a minimum in the early stages of an SNG tournament.

* It is wise to watch and study opponents' game play. Being alert and observing opponents can prove to be beneficial. Knowing who a player is facing and understanding a rival's method of play could also be helpful for later stages of the SNG.

* Bluffing is not recommended for this stage of the tournament, as the small blinds at this stage are not worthwhile.

* A player who manages to obtain a premium hand in stage 1 of an SNG tournament would be well advised to raise – and to make it a significant raise.

* It is preferable in the early stages of an SNG tournament to be less aggressive and more controlled.

To conclude, the best piece of advice for stage one, the small blinds section of the SNG tournament, is to play it tight. Chances will then be better for the later stages of the SNG as the player will hopefully have more chips in hand to play the game.