Single table tournaments have grown on internet poker sites more then any other type of game structure such as cash games or multi-table tournaments. Single table tournaments offer an excellent percentage of winning some money because the top three players out of nine win money which is 33%. The amount you win for first, second and third is different, but the goal at first is to just make it to the top three of every tournament.

If you’re playing regular sit and go tournaments at FullTilt then the blinds will typically go up every fifteen minutes and if you play turbo tournaments the blinds will go up every five minutes. Based on how you like the blind structure you’ll need to decide which tournament structure is best for you. You’ll also generally start with 1500 chips in a single table tournament which isn’t much when the blinds are going up.

In the early stages of a sit and go tournament you’re going to want to try and remain patient, but at the same time look for a hand that you could possibly double up on. It’s important not to sit to tight when you’re playing in these tournaments because eventually the blinds will eat you up. When you have a good hand you can’t be scared by any big bets because often other players will bet with nothing in these tournaments. Since it isn’t a cash game most players are a lot looser then they would generally be at a cash game and you can’t fold decent hands just because there is a big bet.

When the blinds go up and you reach the middle of the poker tournament the action generally starts to slow down a bit because not the remaining players are more situated. Typically the player with the most chips will begin bullying the table somewhat until another player gets a good hand and decides to make a stand. You’ll want to play tight when you get to the middle of the tournament because your opponent is much less likely to be bluffing at this stage compared to the beginning of the tournament. As the tournament gets down to 4-5 players its crunch time and you need to make sure you make it to the final three so you make money. You will want to play tight if you’re in the middle of the pack and wait for an opponent to get knocked out or until you get a monster hand. If you have a good chip lead you could try bullying the PokerStars table and if you’re the low stack you’ll need to try doubling up once you get a marginal hand.

Once you make it to the final three you should continue playing the way you feel comfortable and work on winning first place. The PokerStars.com action usually becomes loose and you’ll often see a lot of all-ins when there is only three of you because most people don’t care as much once they’re guaranteed money. Single table tournaments are a great way to build your bankroll without spending to much of your own money to fund yourself.