Value of doubling up early in MTT's

**occams raisor** · 11-08-2010 09:56 AM

How much value should be given to doubling our stack early in MTT's. Should we be willing to take a slightly -ev spot for future +ev spots we create with our stack? Does the field strength change any of this?

**Vestvik7** · 11-08-2010 03:48 PM

More a question about taking thinner +EV spots than actually taking a -EV spot in my opinon.

**dyehard** · 11-08-2010 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by occams raisor

How much value should be given to doubling our stack early in MTT's. Should we be willing to take a slightly -ev spot for future +ev spots we create with our stack? Does the field strength change any of this?

I assume this question is specific to non rebuy tournaments.

**Hoops** · 11-08-2010 04:17 PM

I would guess that the top heavy nature of a tournament payout structure might allow for an early slight -cEV decision to be +$EV. I have a feeling that the stronger the field is the closer to becoming +$EV an early double up like that would be.

**Acesfull1026** · 11-08-2010 05:31 PM

I put little to no stock in doubling up in the early stages. It's obviously nice to be able to chip up or double up early, but you shouldn't be getting it in w 55 in hopes of racing against AK or AQ and a chance to double up.

With 1500 starting chips (as a standard), I start looking for more spots to accumulate chips at the 50/100 level, and start taking smaller edges as the blinds go up (especially against a tough field).

If I feel my table is weak, or poor post flop players, then i gladly mix it up more often in the early stages...but looking to chip up rather than double up unless i have the assumed nuts.

**Vestvik7** · 11-08-2010 05:40 PM

Just play start like its a cashgame.. Dont force bad spots because you wanna double up, leads to you making mistakes

**KevinW** · 11-08-2010 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by Vestvik7

More a question about taking thinner +EV spots than actually taking a -EV spot in my opinon.

agreed. it's very important not miss too many (even thin) +ev spots but dont take -ev spots just to get a stack. having a stack is very important to maintain your edge on the table though. I don't mind taking some close spot gambles early.

I also think antes and starting stack sizes make a huge difference on this general strategy. for ex. in a 45 man sng with no antes and 1500 starting stack, i place very little importance on getting an early stack. in an mtt with antes and a deep enough stack to play some pots i put more value in chipping up early.

**occams raisor** · 11-08-2010 07:08 PM

I should of stated for non rebuys and either 3000 or 5000 starting stacks. I hate playing 1500 stack games. I think I can find a few examples of what I'm talking about.

**4 to 1 dog** · 11-08-2010 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by Acesfull1026

I put little to no stock in doubling up in the early stages. It's obviously nice to be able to chip up or double up early, but you shouldn't be getting it in w 55 in hopes of racing against AK or AQ and a chance to double up.

With 1500 starting chips (as a standard), I start looking for more spots to accumulate chips at the 50/100 level, and start taking smaller edges as the blinds go up (especially against a tough field).

If I feel my table is weak, or poor post flop players, then i gladly mix it up more often in the early stages...but looking to chip up rather than double up unless i have the assumed nuts.

Ok, theoretical but serious question. I'll hold my opinion for the moment. 1st hand of an MTT and you are 100 + BB's deep. You are in the big blind. All folds to the small blind who turns has hand face up (AKs) and shoves on your BB. You hold QQ. You taking this spot?

**occams raisor** · 11-08-2010 07:47 PM

I take that in a heartbeat and I would take it if I had AK as well. With 200bbs I can play more laggy and accumulate even more chips. I often build top 20 stacks only to donk them off real bad later on.