three handed with high cards

[bunthorne]

Any tips on how to play in a SnG with three players left (out of six), each with about 2000 chips, but the blinds still being low eg 25 and 50?

In particular, I don't know the best strategy for playing cards like AK or QQ. These are hands with which I would like to win big pots and take another player out. But I don't know how to do it.

If I have AK and raise to eg 3 x bb preflop they usually fold. If I limp and an A flops they will fold to a bet so I don't make much on the hand. If I check hoping they pick something up then either they don't or they get too much help.

If I raise with QQ and an A flops then I could be in trouble. If I limp and the flop comes with undercards then I don't usually make anything on the hand.

I would like to slowplay thes cards but this is only worthwhile if someone will show some aggression and maybe hit a pair. My worry is they might hit too much of the flop. Going all-in preflop will only result in a call with a monster hand.

Any advice?

[Bo G]

Don't slow play these hands this early in a tournament. Don't raise too much maybe just 2 or 3 bb and go from there.

It is funny how SnG go from extra loose in first couple of blind levels to rock tight on next few blind levels.

What I usualy do is play rock tight first 3 levels and only play premium hands and when I play them I play them hard. (i.e. AK raise 10xBB) This will earn you tight label that people will remember especially if you win one or two pots with strong hands. Even if they fold show them the cards.

Once blinds hit 50-100 loosen up and start playing LAAG. Raise from late position with a lot more hands. Put pressure on other guys but if they play back at that level they have something. You want to win a lot of "small" pots there not 1 big one.

[r8ed]

Raise them and collect the blinds if that's all you get. The reason is - if you don't raise now and then raise AA/KK later, people won't give you action. They will think you are tight and know you have a real hand. If you raise early and often, then they will view you as a loose player and/or blind stealer. If the table is that tight, I like to start raising some more hands in position just to keep a looser image. If you get called and miss, then let it go. If you get called 1/2 the time and miss, you break even and get the loose label still.