Exjackly

Collin Moshman is a mathematician who turned away from post-graduate economics studies when he chose to pursue poker as a full-time professional. He has also written several books including this one.

This books looks at the easiest to join, most common online tournament: the Sit-N-Go (SNG). A Sit-N-Go tournament is a 9 or 10 player, single-table tournament that pays out to only the last 3 players. First place earns 50% of the prize pool. Second place earns 30% and third place earns 20%.

This guide takes a view that it is the result that is most important. It details a particular strategy that is intended to help a player increase the frequency with which they finish in the money. Along the way it delves (lightly) into the math behind the strategy, offers up personal insights, and includes specific examples to illuminate the points.

This book is split into three primary sections: Low Blind Play, Mid Blind Play and High Blind Play. Within these sections, different categories of hands are discussed, and the impact of the blinds on solid strategy at each level is covered. The fourth section discusses concepts for anybody considering playing sit-n-go tournaments for a living.

In a nutshell, Collin recommends a conservative start with aggression levels rising as the blinds increase and additional players are eliminated. The focus is on winning these small tournaments, as additional First Place finishes will more than offset a slight increase in out-of-the money finishes.

Overall, I am glad that I purchased this book. I enjoyed the read, and the concepts are not difficult to apply. Unfortunately, I did not get this book until after I had played in a number of sit-n-go tournaments and only managed to break-even. Since reading this book, I am much more successful.

I strongly recommend this book.

Sit ‘n Go Strategy

Collin Moshman. Two Plus Two Publishing LLC 2007, Paperback, 281 pages, $15.63