dbirider

Is it just me or are SNG's flat out more fun then cash games? I've tried getting into both cash games and multi-table tournaments, but I always have limited success. It doesn't take long before I lose interest to the SNG tables.

I spent a bit of time thinking why I like playing SNG's over any other form of poker and here's what I came up with:

1. Players can't bail on you

One of my favorite aspects with SNG's is that, once a game starts, players can't cash out leave. I'm always one of the last players to register for a particular SNG, so I can make sure the table has enough bad players.

2. Escalating blinds adds excitement

Because the blinds are constantly moving up, you're always having to re-think your strategy. The beginning of SNG's are always like rock farms - nobody wants to be the first one out. By the time the blinds reach 15 or 10BB's, desperation sets in. Everyone starts panicking and making desperate bets. At this point in the game, your focus early on and previous notes on players pays off. You'll know which who's likely to throw their chips in with nothing or wait for premium hands till their blinded away.

3. The bubble adds a new element of strategy

An interesting thing happens when players are on the bubble. Suddenly everyone tightens up, while sometimes one or two players go on feeding frenzies, chipping away at the blinds. The pressure to make it in the money is high, because you're so close. I've been playing SNG's for years and I still have trouble developing a good bubble strategy.

4. Everyone starts with the same amount

I really like that every game starts off at even playing field. There's no short-stackers joining in who are trying to double their bankroll from $20 to $40, when you're playing for $100's, which has been really popular in cash games lately.

5. There's a definite start and end / winner and loser

I always find SNG's to be more fun/interesting then cash games because there's always a definite start and end. At the end of the game, you know there will be winners and losers. Cash games, on the other hand, feel like an endless game of chess to me.