Party Poker uses a fast format with each player receiving 800 chips and the blinds increasing every 10 hands.

1st pays 50%, 2nd 30%, 3rd 20%

Levels - 10/15, 10/20, 15/30, 25/50, 50/100, 75/150, 100/200....

The majority of the time there will be 6 or less players remaining at the beginning of the 75/150 level.

The majority of the time if you make it past the 100/200 level you will make the money, this should be your goal.

The key is to make it to the 50/100 level with enough chips to be a factor. This can be accomplished very easily, Don't play! this will leave you with 600 or so chips and the image of the tightest player on the planet.

The only exception to this is if you have AA or KK, in this case move All-In pre-flop you'll be amazed how often someone will call. If they don't call it is ok because you show your hand which cultivates your tight Image for later on.

*Let the idiots knock each other out while you pick your spot

When the blinds reach 50/100 you wait for a hand to play and when you play it you move All-In which should be 5-6 times the blind (if you have doubled up you can just make a 5-6X raise), enough to scare them unless they have a good hand. At this point 1 blind steal has you back to even if you haven't played a hand!

*Stealing the blinds in level 4 is just as good as winning a good sized pot in level 1 or 2. Remember this.

They take chances to pick up 200-300 extra chips early on while you pick up the same amount with a steal

The reason you can steal blinds now is because

1) with 5 or 6 players remaining they get defensive not wanting to finish outside the money

2) Because of your previous play you have an ultra tight image

With the speed of the blind increases and the low strating chips your goal should be to make the money not to try to build a big stack early on which will increase your chances of winning. The reason for this is the structure, with 3 people left and 8000 chips in play at 150/300 blinds it is an All-In fest. If you are a good player making the money will allow you to win your fair share of these.

*Make the money then go for the win.


I'll try ot get a strategy post for Poker Stars structure up soon

I like that Steve, it holds true to Party. However, this is mostly for the $5 & $10 buy-ins, right?

I would say up to $30

Only playing AA and KK is way too tight.

Why?

I've been trying to apply your strategy to the $10 Party SNGs that I'm currently spending most of my poker time on.

One leak though...

What if I get a decent hand in the blinds, like KQ, and flop top pair? It seems as though it would be extremely +EV to give it a whirl... are you still saying I should check/fold it?