This may still depend on the type of tournament, but players
have the tendency to play more aggressively or loosely at the
early stages of the game, especially in re-buy tournaments where
they have the option to purchase more chips at a certain point
of the tournament.
Keep in mind that your goal at the beginning stages is to keep
a decent stack of chips. This will give you a secure position
in the upcoming rounds.
You will notice significant changes towards the middle stages
of the tournament. Blind and bets will be raised and your playing
strategy will take a turn. Your tendency will be to invest highly
to try and beat your opponents. But smart players know how to
fold immediately if they have a weak hand.
Tournaments are a matter of survival, so don't waste your chips
if you think you have an un-winnable hand. You won't last long
if you start being too aggressive now.
If you're lucky to reach the final rounds, the blinds will
leave your chips in a critical position. These final stages
will also test your skills and strategy to grab that precious
prize pool.
Check where you stand with your chips. If you have a good
stack, play aggressive and focus on eliminating your opponents.
If not, be careful and call only if you have a good hand. Setting
your goal on that prize pool will require cautious strategy
and focus.
Regular poker tips and strategy apply to tournament games.
What you need to work on is increasing your stack to make it
last until the final rounds. Don't rely on luck, it will run
out eventually.
Consider all scenarios and you'll have to play tournaments
for a long time before you can finally hit big. When you play
aggressively, your opponents will be waiting for a chance to
take you down. Beware when this happens, protect your chips
and your chance of grabbing that prize pool.
If it's a Single Tournament, be careful of playing suited
connectors aggressively because their value is smaller than
expected since players will be short-stacked. Also take notice
of your opponents, chances are you'll run into them in more
than one tournaments.
If it's a Multi-Table Tournament, learn to pace yourself.
Tournaments lasts a long while so be prepared, place your bets
wisely to protect your stack.
Observe your opponents' betting patterns as the tournament
progresses. Creating a good opponent model will give you a hint
when to raise or bluff.
The best tip we can give you is the simplest of all: practice,
practice, practice. Continue playing your favorite poker variation
until you've mastered your moves.