Full Tilt poker recently created an interesting new game called the Matrix Sit and Go. It is unique to Full Tilt Poker and the game has become very popular since its creation. The way a Matrix Sit and Go works is like this:

Instead of playing a one-table tournament like in a regular Sit and Go, a player will play on 4 tables simultaneously during a matrix sit and go. The only catch is that on all four tables, all of the players will be the same. Nine players are playing four sit and gos with the same players.

The real key difference lies in how players win money. Like a regular sit and go, the top 3 players from each table are paid. However, in Matrix Sit and Gos, there is also a collective prize pool where the top 3 players overall are paid. Although this may seem like a small difference, strategy adjustments should be made to account for this.

Players receive points depending on how they finish in each individual table. After all 4 tables are done, the 3 players with the most points receive additional money from the collective prize pool. Therefore, at certain times, folding up a few spots can give a player much more equity then in a normal sit and go. Here are some strategy adjustments to thinks about when playing in a matrix sit and go.

Strategy

The key goal of a matrix sit and go is not only make money on each of the 4 individual tables, but also to be one of the three overall best players. A player must always keep in mind how he is ranking compared to the overall field on all four tables combined. A player has extra money riding on higher finishes.

For example, imagine a player has 3 of 4 tables completed. Respectively, he finished second on one table, ninth on another table, and third on another table. He is sitting at the last of the 4 tables short stacked and there are 6 players left. This player knows that if he finishes this last table in at least fifth place – he will be one of the top 3 overall players.

Because of this fact, the player is actually correct to fold until one other player busts. Making a move immediately would not only influence equity on the individual table, but also affect his overall equity. The extra chips he gains would not be worth all the equity he is risking by busting before fifth place.