Poker Tip Man Armen-"Knock'Em Out"

    Have you ever had a chance to knock a player out of a tournament, but did? Maybe you were being extra cautious because you didn't have the nuts. I've done that many times. Knocking out a player out of the tournament is crucial. You need to take advantage of the situation when it comes along.

 
    I remember playing an event at the Hustler Casino earlier this year. I was holding Qs10s. The board was 7h, 8h, Js, Ah, and 9c. I don't recall the action on the flop or the turn, but I do remember my opponent putting out a big bet on the river. He put about 70% of his chip stack. I didn't put him on the flush but I was playing safe so I only called. He was holding a one card straight and I had a higher straight. I won the pot but right away I regretted not putting him all-in. The player survived and managed to double-up and triple-up. I ended-up going against him later in the tournament and he sucked out and put a big dent to my chip stack. I ended up being the bubble that day. I knew if I only put him all-in I would have knocked him out and the outcome of the tournament would have been different.

    I tend to play cautious when I don't have the nuts on the river, which is good because it has saved me from going busto. But, I have learned to make exceptions when I feel like I have my opponent beat.

    When you get the opportunity to knock a player out of the tournament, do it. If you don't, they will come back and take you out.

Play Hard, Play Smart and Good Luck

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