Don't Be That Guy, Volume 1: The First Hour Chip-Leader/Railbird

I was glancing at the $5K Stud 8 leaderboard, and then thinking ahead to the $4K tonight, and I noticed that, as usual, there was 1 player (sometimes there are 2) leading the tourney about 45 minutes in. A really bad player. His notes basically read "Seat him at my table. Please and thank you."

When you consider this player is such a donor, why was I not surprised to see him leading a tournament? A limit HORSE tourney in particular?

It just happens to be his night. He will likely not even cash. But dozens of these players sign up every night. Who are they specifically?

1. Super aggressive. Will gladly bet and raise big draws. Will 3-bet and 4-bet TT-33 in Holdem.
2. Superego. They love nothing more than to drop some huge hammer by raising and scooping the pot with their 68-suited-rivered flush. Don't let them get to you.
3. PLAYS TOO MANY HANDS. This is their defining characteristic. Every pot is a contest to be won, and it's the dealer's fault they have to do it with such crappy cards. This is how they glimpse the top of the leaderboard early in tourneys. Statistically, one of these guys will get hot cards for the first hour, simply because they PLAY 2 OUT OF EVERY 3 HANDS.

When I find myself atop the leaderboard, what do I do? I adjust. I use my stack to take unwanted pots, make raises other people can't afford to call. Otherwise, I pick my spots. I'm already cruising to the money, sometimes all the way to the final table. Why would I give any back?

4. STILL PLAYS TOO MANY HANDS. Their feelings of invincibility nearly always get them in the end. Now that the blinds are up, their chips are worth less. And it only takes losing 1/3 as many pots as they won earlier to find themselves on the rail. And they tend to tilt. (see 1., 2.) From hero to zero. GG sir.

It must be the adrenaline rush of the top of the leaderboard. Of winning hand after hand on miraculous rivers. Occasionally, like playing the slots, you can ride that streak to a big cash.

If you play this way, it's gambling. By playing double or triple the hand selection, they mathematically reduce the skill and increase the luck. Except, skill trumps luck in the long run. Always.

Be aware of this player, and adapt to them. When one at your table starts hitting jackpots, be very careful and very patient. They are in their element, playing the best poker they can play right now. Mixing it up and 4-betting are their specialties. So, let them come to you. Finding one good hand can mean they build you a big pot. Getting caught up in it can put you on the rail. And what's the hurry? All those chips will still be at your table.

If this sounds like you, the secret is, in all caps, ADJUST. You know when you're driving 100mph on the sidewalk. Sit out. Use the TIME to stare at a hand you are going to fold. Just sit, get centered, and look at your stack. Look at the hands you've been playing. Consider:

If I just whack people with this big stack selectively, they won't know when I have actual cards. And after my heater tonight, they in general will not want to eff with this big dog. I can get to the final table by playing only premium cards. Every small stack in this tournament would trade places with me in an instant. So I am going to take this precious opportunity and turn it into big cash. Yes I see the top of the leaderboard all the time. Now I'm going to upgrade into "The Guy Who Is Always Hanging Around The Top of the Leaderboard."

Or something like that. :)