Variance is good in tournament poker

[jcm4ccc]

[ QUOTE ]
I think I have done a disservice to my main point, by using terms like TAG and LAG,

Variance is obviously not the only factor in tourneys. Making Chip EV+ plays should be the fundamental part of one's play. This is true in ring poker and in tourneys.

However in tourney increase variance can also be a factor, while in ring play variance is a neutral concept.

The importance of variance in tourneys depends on several factors. These include payout, structure and stack size relative to the blinds.

In flat payout structures such as satelites, there are times to minimize variance. Ex: 100 left, you have average stack and 90 people get a spot. Here proper strategy is to minimize variance. This can get to the extreme circumstance where it can be correct to fold Aces. However in a tourney where only first is paid, one should instead maximize variance as possible.

With regards to structure the deeper and slower the structure, the more your play should resemble ring play such as early in a deep stack tourney. However, in a turbo structure and later in tourneys as stacks become shallow, higher variance plays will result in better earnings.

I think recognizing this concept and how to apply it is important. Where being a TAG and LAG fit in with optimal play is obviously debatable, and not my main point.

[/ QUOTE ] Quanah, your first shot killed me, but it only winged him.