Big Money Tournaments...

Big money tournaments are not difficult to get into if you're loaded as the buy-ins tend to be very high. If you want to play in them then stump up the cash or alternatively enter and win feeders to these competitions. Once you're in you must realise that there is a big difference between your normal £5 buy-in MTT and the big money MTT - namely the $$$ as some have jackpots up to $50,000 - a far cry from your usual win of £22.50!

At this level you won't find any fish (bad poker players) as only a fool would pay that much to enter a game he couldn't possible win! So, you know from the get go that you are up against some very tough opponents but don't let this put you off.

During the first levels, play solid poker and wait for other people to make mistakes. Hopefully, you can pick up a hand and double up in the first one or two rounds, or look for a speculative hand that you can play cheaply. Because more chips are in play online, you can play a few more speculative hands in the early rounds without it costing you too much.

Starting with your 2000 chips and 15-minute rounds online, you have a fair amount of play and more opportunity to trap an opponent. In other words, if you limp in with a weaker type of hand, you’re likely to get paid off very well if you connect with the flop.

Usually, about half of the starting field is eliminated during the first hour of play then you take a five minute break. The blinds will go up on your return so make sure you can sustain them by winning some hands.

As the blinds go up it's time to change your style of play from tight to down right aggressive - similar to the head to head, if you aren’t willing to push your chips in — your chances of success are greatly reduced.

In summary for your big money tournaments - watch your opponents, take note of their styles of play and use it to your advantage, be clever and be confident, bide your time and don't be bullied.