As we all know, in Replay during tournaments, antes are paid by all players at the table. In live tournaments that I have played, they use the “Big Blind Ante” paradigm.
I know that after one orbit, both methods cause everyone to pay the same with the antes, but it seems that a different strategy would be used in the two scenarios. I have to admit that I seem to be intimidated by the Big Blind Ante approach; putting that much into the pot along with the big blind seems to mean I am committed to defend. If I don’t, then I’m losing all those chips.
Two questions:
Does anyone have any advice on how to play these two types of antes?
I wonder how difficult it would be for Replay to add tournaments with using the Big Blind Ante paradigm?
Adjust Your Range: Since the big blind is paying a larger amount, players in the big blind position should consider defending their blind with a wider range of hands.
Aggressive Play: Players in other positions might play more aggressively to take advantage of the big blind’s increased commitment to the pot.
Steal Opportunities: With the big blind ante, there’s more money in the pot pre-flop, making it more lucrative to attempt steals from late positions.
Stack Management: Be mindful of your stack size, especially when approaching the big blind position, as you’ll need to account for the larger ante.
Early Position Strategy
Tight Play: In early positions, it’s generally best to play tighter. Focus on strong hands like high pairs (e.g., AA, KK) and high suited connectors (e.g., AKs, AQs).
Avoid Marginal Hands: Since you have many players to act after you, avoid playing marginal hands that could get you into trouble.
Middle Position Strategy
Balanced Range: In middle positions, you can start to widen your range slightly. Include hands like medium pairs (e.g., 77, 88) and suited connectors (e.g., 89s, 910s).
Steal Attempts: Look for opportunities to steal the blinds, especially if the players in the blinds are playing passively.
Late Position Strategy
Aggressive Play: Late positions (cutoff and button) are ideal for aggressive play. You can raise with a wider range of hands, including lower pairs and suited one-gappers (e.g., 67s, 78s).
Blind Stealing: With the Big Blind Ante, there’s more money in the pot pre-flop, making it lucrative to attempt steals. Be mindful of the tendencies of the players in the blinds.
Small Blind Strategy
Defensive Play: In the small blind, you should be more defensive. Call or raise with strong hands and fold weaker ones.
3-Betting: Consider 3-betting (re-raising) with premium hands to put pressure on the big blind and other players.
Big Blind Strategy
Wider Range: Since you’re already heavily invested with the ante, defend your big blind with a wider range of hands. This includes suited connectors, lower pairs, and even some weaker hands depending on the situation.
Post-Flop Play: Be prepared to play post-flop aggressively, especially if you hit a piece of the board. Use your position to your advantage.
General Tips
Stack Management: Always be aware of your stack size, especially when approaching the big blind position. Plan your moves accordingly to avoid being short-stacked.
Table Dynamics: Pay attention to the playing styles of your opponents. Adjust your strategy based on their tendencies, especially those in the blinds.
Position Awareness: Your position at the table is crucial. Play tighter in early positions and more aggressively in late positions.
In general one of the most underutilized plays is to 3bet from the BB. With a BB ante, I expect this play is even further incentivized.
I might start by using a linear range (3bet your strongest hands at a higher frequency, and some medium strong hands at a lower frequency), and exploit by 3betting a bit wider if someone seems to be picking on your BB.
In games with real people, management likes the big blind to pay the antes because it speeds up the game and they can get out more hands. This is not done to help the players, only to help the house.
