888poker Ambassadors Weigh in On BLAST Strategies
Sit & Go BLAST tournaments from 888 can be all about the approach. Start out right with some tips from the 888poker ambassadors.
888poker added BLAST poker to its stable of game offerings earlier this year. This four-handed super-turbo, no-limit hold’em Sit & Go will raise its possible prize pool to $1,000,000, starting Dec. 26 and continuing on for a limited time.
888 keeps it interesting by not revealing the prize pool until the game starts. The tournament has prize pools up to 10,000 times the buy-in and a draw at the beginning of the game to determine if the prize money will double the buy-in. An assigned multiplier determines the blind structure, prize pool distribution and BLAST time (or a clock that, once it expires, places all players all in until one player is left).
Buy-ins range from 10 cents to $30. So take these tips and get in the game!
Bruno Foster a.k.a Bruno Politano
What do you think is the best way to approach a BLAST Sit & Go?
I think the best way is to play fast but looking for the dynamic, wait and go in at the right time!
What can new players do to prepare for this type of tournament?
Stomach kkkkkkkk… hmmm… work the mental part of your game… it’s too many ups and downs all the time.
What makes it distinct from others and how can they be successful in this format?
Playing a lot, studying the dynamic, creating better ranges, choosing with intelligence the right hand to play and finally choosing the best moment to play. :)
Kara Scott
What do you think is the best way to approach a BLAST Sit & Go?
Ha — Some days, I think the best approach is with my eyes closed! Watching the super high payout multipliers roll around on that wheel stresses me right out.
What can new players do to prepare for this type of tournament? What makes it distinct from others and how can they be successful in this format?
If I'm feeling frustrated with tournaments or cash games and just want to clear the taste of bad beats out of my mouth by mashing some buttons, BLAST is good for this because I can pick the smallest buy-in, so the money isn't as important, and just give my internal shove monkey a workout.
The days when I'm playing them more seriously, I love how fast they go. They're perfect for when I don't have the time to sit down at a tournament but still want to play some poker. I think there are some players who take really big gambles early on (shoving the first few hands, etc.) because they want to double up or go play something else. Or maybe like me, they are exorcising those tilt feelings! If you watch out for them and know your calling ranges, you can get some good chips early on that you'll want when the clock stops.
What are some tips you have for BLAST Sit & Go tournaments as a player? What have you found works?
It's important to pay attention to the type of payout for each game. If it's winner take all, then it really doesn't matter if you go out first or second, but if they're playing two or three places, then you need to keep an eye on the other stacks and how small they're getting. There's usually at least one who wants to gamble a lot and will likely bust before the money. Make sure it's not you!
Sofia Lövgren
What do you think is the best way to approach a BLAST Sit & Go? What are some tips you have for BLAST Sit & Go as a player? What have you found works?
They are very similar to Super Turbo STTs but Blast SNGs are more exciting with a price pool lottery and timer where everyone is all in preflop when the time runs out.
Since you play very shallow with a starting stack of 30bbs, stick to min-raising preflop. They are very quick so don't underestimate the importance of stealing. Try to find the passive players at the table and find spots to steal from them.
Try to be the aggressor in pots and don't call and fold once you miss a flop. Remember most of the times no one hits the flop so the one who bets first will usually win the pot.
With most of the strong holdings you can just squeeze all in or push all in preflop. Any bet is important/valuable with this quick format!
What can new players do to prepare for this type of tournament? What makes it distinct from others and how can they be successful in this format?
The strategy is very similar to the Turbo Sit & Go format, so a better understanding for those will definitely help. Google this and you will find tons of good advice. It's a lot of luck involved in Blast STTs, since the structure is super quick. With the price pool lottery at the start you could also play for 1000x the buy-in in price pool, if you are lucky. Because of this, anyone can win huge with BLAST!
Record your first deposit on 888poker with at least $10 and the their exclusive promotion code and you will receive two $5 tournament tickets for exclusive access to BLAST prize pool of $1,000,000!
