Why do I tighten up when big stacked?
 

I have been playing poker for several years, and have experienced the "big stack blow-up" too many times to count, mostly because I loosen up and try to use my large stack to pressure the rest of the table. I have noticed that recently, when I get big stacked in a tournament or even double or triple up in a cash game, I tighten up and become weary of bullying off my chips, or even getting involved in any coin-flips. I even become scared to play moderately-big hands like AK or 88. I go into rock mode and eventually miss solid money-making opportunities. Any tips as to how I can avoid this in future sessions? Thanks!

Re: Why do I tighten up when big stacked?
 

I only play Sit n Go's and cash games. In cash games having the big stack is pretty much irrelevent but in a sit n go, I try to bully the medium sized stacks as they are the ones who have the most to lose. Short stacks can be desperate and forced to call with a wide range of hands so it's a little more tricky with them. In saying that, close to the bubble I'd try to bully just about anyone.

Someone else will have to give you advice on tournaments but I'd imagine it's not too different from my sng advice.

Re: Why do I tighten up when big stacked?
 

'The Poker Mindset' has a good chapter on this.



.Z

Re: Why do I tighten up when big stacked?
 

I am not sure what others will say about cash but if you are not comfortable with the big stack on a table (If online) then you should move to a different table and bank. Why sit there and not play your game if you know you are leaving bets on the table for fear of dropping your stack?

Re: Why do I tighten up when big stacked?
 

Deep stacked play is a lot different than normal 100bb stack play. You don't have to be scared, but you definitely have to be aware of what you're doing. You certainly want to avoid getting AI with AK or 88 pre when deep (at least, the vast majority of the time), but that doesn't mean you can't play them.

I'd say to drop down to a limit where you're not feeling the money pressure of playing deep, it's a pretty crucial skill to have unless you plan on ratholing everytime to build up a decent stack.