Satellite Qualifier Strategy

George | September 10, 2008

Poker satellites are a great way to gain entry to larger online poker events without risking large portions of your bankroll. For example, if you want to play in a $500 tournament but don’t want to spend your entire $1,000 bankroll, satellites are ideal. Sites like Full Tilt Poker offer cash buy-in satellite tournaments that may cost as little as $5.

How poker satellites work

The poker site takes the prize pool and divides it by the number of seats available for the main event. If the main event requires a $1,000 entry fee and you’re playing a $100 satellite, each 10 players contribute to one seat ($100 x 10 entries = $1,000). If there are 105 players, ten seats would be awarded, and the remaining $500 would be distributed to the players who finished 11th, 12th, and so on.

Satellite strategy vs. tournament strategy

Unlike a standard tournament, satellite strategy is fundamentally different. If you’re in 5th place in a satellite that awards 10 seats, avoid big confrontations as the bubble approaches. In this scenario, first place is the same as tenth place. Therefore, there’s no need to risk chips needlessly. Fold weaker hands from middle position and let the bubble players play marginal hands, hoping they lose to larger stacks so you secure your seat.

Early play in satellites

Early play in a satellite shouldn’t differ much from a standard tournament. Your primary goal is to chip up and be in a good position to make moves on weaker opponents as the middle point approaches. Maintain steady play just as if it were a standard tournament.

Middle play in satellites

At the middle point, expect the remaining entrants to be relatively solid players. However, be cautious of donks running deep in poker satellites. Focus on weaker players and smaller stacks while maintaining solid starting hand and positional strategies. Use your reads and exploit patterns demonstrated by weaker players.

Approaching the bubble

As the bubble approaches, avoid unnecessary confrontations. Even with a premium hand like King of Any ColorKing of Any Color, consider laying it down with only one player to the bubble. For example:

You hold King of Any ColorKing of Any Color in middle position, and an early player raises 5x the BB. Hand-for-hand play is in effect, and after one more elimination, you earn a seat. The raiser has twice your chips and can eliminate you; you’re currently 6th in chips. Do you call, raise, or fold? Folding is the right move. Early position raises from a chip leader usually indicate strength. They might not hold Ace of Any ColorAce of Any Color but could hit a set, a flush, or any two cards to beat your Kings. Live to fight another battle, as the odds of a smaller stack going out on the bubble are greater than you getting eliminated due to blinds.

Conclusion

Shift gears and adjust your logic during a satellite. Avoid big risks near the bubble and play conservatively when necessary. By effectively employing this strategy, your bankroll will thank you.