Going All In

  Going all in was at one time the last act of a desperate player. It was their final defense against the possibility of elimination in a tournament. Like a frilled lizard displaying its brightly colored neck decoration in order to warn opponents off, the all in bet was used to put an aggressor on notice that if they decide to continue with their hand, it might cost them dearly.  As the internet became an incubator for more aggressive players, we started to see the all in bet used more and more as an offensive weapon.  All in bets near the beginning of a tournament are used to accomplish two purposes: a) to double up your chips, and b) to steal the blinds and get a cheap win.  If your all in gamble is a bluff, you will want position on your side. By being in the late position you can see what sort of aggression is happening before you, and this will give you some insight into whether or not your gamble is worth it. If you see very little action, with some of the players simply matching the big blind, this might be a good time for your bluff. It is early in the tournament, and even though most at the table will suspect you don't have the cards to back it up, they probably won't be willing to end their tournament experience early to find out.  If you intend to use the all in to double up, the best place to do this is from a seat in the early position. You will wait until you get hole cards that are reasonably strong, and bet and raise from your early seat. This will project strength. Chances are you will weed out weaker hands, and become shorthanded against one or two aggressive players. After the flop (especially if it has been relatively good to you), go all in. You will probably be chased by one or two other players. At this point your fate is up to lady luck.  This is not a guarantee by any means of doubling up. What you have done is put yourself in the best position to win. Because the intention is to see this through to the river, a bad beat is always possible.  Good luck!