< 10: - Push wide from late position with pairs, broadways, suited aces. - Defend shoves from the big blind only with hands that block shoving ranges or have decent equity. - Factor in antes — larger antes widen shove ranges. Those rules flow into how to practice: use a solver-lite or printed push/fold chart and drill it in fast sessions; this drilling transitions into tournament selection and real play. ## Comparison of Tools & Approaches | Tool / Approach | Best use | Cost | Learning curve | |---|---|---:|---:| | Push/Fold charts (printable) | Quick short-stack decisions | Low | Low | | ICM calculators | Late-stage payout decisions | Medium | Medium | | HUD & hand-history review | Long-run opponent profiling | Medium–High | High | | Solver study (GTO) | Deep strategy & exploit guidance | High | High | This comparison clarifies which tools to prioritise first and why practice with low-cost tools pays dividends before you invest in expensive subscriptions, which brings us to recommended resources. ## Where to Learn & a Natural Resource Mention If you want simple, local-friendly resources and practice arenas, look for platforms that combine satellite access, solid tournament structure lists, and reliable payout audits. One site I found helpful for scheduling and satellite lookups is crown-melbourne.games, which lists events and gives clear format descriptions, and that naturally helps beginners match bankroll to format.
That recommendation leads into how to use event calendars and satellite strategies to build buy-ins responsibly.

A second useful step is to use low-cost qualifiers as bankroll-builders rather than direct buy-ins when variance is high. For consistent practice, check event interfaces and payout transparency on providers such as crown-melbourne.games before committing large sums.
This leads smoothly into common mistakes to avoid and a quick checklist to apply before every tournament entry.

## Quick Checklist (Pre-Tournament)

– Bankroll check: Do I have 50+ buy-ins for this format?
– Format match: Freezeout vs Re-entry — which suits my bankroll?
– Seat timing: Avoid table with known regs on bubble (if possible).
– Short-stack plan: Memorise push/fold ranges for M < 10. - ICM awareness: Adjust when prize jumps are steep. - Responsible play: Set deposit/session limits and 18+ confirmation. Each checklist item shapes immediate pre-game decisions and reduces common mistakes, which we cover next. ## Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them - Mistake: Playing too loose early. Fix: Treat early rounds as compounding opportunities and focus on survival. - Mistake: Ignoring ICM. Fix: Learn the basics and apply them on bubble/final table. - Mistake: Over-using re-entry with small bankroll. Fix: Limit re-entries and prioritise satellites. - Mistake: Chasing losses (tilt). Fix: Use session limits and take breaks when emotions spike. - Mistake: Blindly following regs without data. Fix: Use hand histories to verify tendencies. These mistakes are survivable, but reducing them raises your ROI quickly, and the next section answers common newbie questions. ## Mini-FAQ (3–5 Questions) Q: When should I switch from freezeouts to re-entry events? A: Switch when your bankroll comfortably supports the added variance; if you can absorb multiple buy-ins without emotional tilt, re-entries can be profitable. Q: How many buy-ins do I need for turbo events? A: Turbos require more entries to stabilise variance; aim for 100+ smaller buy-ins or frequent small-stakes practice. Q: What’s a simple ICM rule of thumb? A: Avoid high-variance calls near payout jumps unless you’re significantly ahead in chips; preserve fold equity if you can pressure smaller stacks. Q: How do satellites affect expected value? A: Satellites reduce direct variance but increase volume; they’re often EV-positive if you can win entries at lower cost than the direct buy-in. These FAQs lead naturally into the closing guidance and responsible gaming notes. ## Closing — Practical Routine to Improve (30–90 Days) Here’s the thing: commit to a routine — 4 weeks of focused short-stack drills, 4 weeks of ICM practice, 4 weeks of hand-history review — and you’ll see clearer decisions in the money. Practice the push/fold charts daily for 10–15 minutes and review two sessions per week with a tracker; that habit builds reliable instincts and reduces costly guesswork. Remember: stay 18+ (or 21+ where required), set deposit and session limits, and make use of self-exclusion tools if gambling feels uncontrolled. Responsible play keeps your long-term game healthier and your learning more consistent. If you need help finding reputable event grids or satellites, use audited platforms and official event calendars, and always prioritise verified payout reports and support responsiveness in your chosen site. Sources: - Popular poker coaching sites and sample ICM calculators (publicly available tools) - Tournament structure literature and solver summaries (industry whitepapers) - Aggregated experiences from live festival reports and online satellite forums About the Author: An Australian-based poker enthusiast and coach with years of tournament play across online and live circuits, specialising in MTT strategy, ICM applications, and practical short-stack training for beginners. Provides realistic, experience-driven guidance with an emphasis on responsible play and sustainable bankroll management. 18+ Responsible gaming: Set limits, play within your means, and seek help if gambling becomes a problem. If you’re in Australia and need support, contact local resources such as Lifeline or Gambling Help Online.