Sit & Go (SNG) tournaments are one-table or small-field events that start once all seats are filled — typically with 6, 9, or 10 players. They’re ideal for players who want fast-paced action with predictable formats and steady profit potential. While Master Poker Vietnam SNGs may seem simple, consistent results require an understanding of how stack sizes, blind levels, and opponent types evolve throughout the game. Here’s how to dominate Sit & Go tournaments and maximize your winnings.

Master the Three Phases of Play

Sit & Go tournaments generally break down into three strategic phases: early, middle, and late game. Each requires a different approach.

Early Game (Deep Stacks, Low Blinds)

• Play tight and solid

• Avoid unnecessary risks

• Focus on premium hands (e.g. AA–TT, AK, AQ)

• Don’t bluff — most players call too wide early on

Goal: Preserve your stack and observe opponents.

Middle Game (Blinds Increasing, Shorter Stacks)

• Begin stealing blinds from late position

• Loosen up your range in position

• Target passive players who fold to aggression

• Keep stack sizes and ICM in mind

Goal: Accumulate chips without risking your tournament life.

Late Game (Bubble and Heads-Up)

• Play aggressively with fold equity

• Pressure medium stacks who are trying to make the money

• Use push/fold charts when short-stacked

• Heads-up: widen your range significantly

Goal: Apply pressure and go for the win — don’t settle for just cashing.

Use a Tight-Aggressive (TAG) Style

A TAG approach works especially well in Sit & Gos:

• Play tight early, aggressive in middle/late stages

• Choose your spots — don’t limp or play speculative hands without reason

• Punish weak limpers with raises in position

This style helps conserve chips early while giving you the flexibility to dominate when it matters most.

Understand Independent Chip Model (ICM)

ICM becomes critical as you near the bubble or payout spots. Your chip value doesn’t equal cash value linearly — a 3rd-place finish in a 9-man SNG with a 50/30/20 payout is much more valuable than finishing 4th.

Key tips:

• Tighten up near the bubble

• Don’t call light against bigger stacks unless you’re pot committed

• Attack players who are trying to sneak into the money

Learn Push/Fold Strategy

In late stages, you’ll often be at 10–15 big blinds or less. In these situations, knowing when to shove or fold is essential.

Tips:

• Study push/fold charts for common stack sizes

• Avoid limping or raising small — go all-in or fold

• Take advantage of fold equity while you still have it

Correct push/fold decisions are a major edge in Sit & Gos and separate winners from breakeven players.

Track Opponents’ Tendencies

Because Sit & Gos often involve recurring opponents (especially online), pay attention to how others play:

• Who folds too much to steals?

• Who calls too light preflop?

• Who bluffs too often on the river?

Exploit these tendencies in future hands and adapt your strategy as stacks change.