In a previous post by Holyman, he stated that many cardrooms don’t enforce the rules, or do as they see fit.

I personally believe that those who make the rules should be the ones to set the example. Tournament Directors make up the rules for the TDA (Tournament Director’s Association).

Here is how I see it, the TDA (or whoever) sets the rules for a tourney. Provided the cardroom is a member of the TDA, the staff is told to enforce the TDA rules. Players don’t like the rule so they ignore it. If the staff insists on enforcing the rule, then the staff gets abused by the players. The casino tells the staff to let the players have it their way. Thus you have the situation where the players run the satellite and willingly leave themselves open to cheaters.  Is it cheating if the other players allow you to do it?

I’ve talked to many players about why a satellite should be random seating. 98% said they don’t care if they are cheated, as long as they can choose the seat of their choice.

That brings me to my post.. here are some ways to take advantage of being able to select your own seat at a satellite. Since 98% of all satellite players don’t care, here is how it can help you. Warning, since you can select your own seat so can your opponent who may be trying the same tricks on you.

(1) In Hold ‘Em position on a player is important. If I know someone is a tight player I want him to the right of me. If he raises, I can get out. If he limps, I can steal from him. Of course, sometimes I want him on my left so I can steal his blinds when I get nothing. Definately important in tournament and satellite play.

Then there is the loose player. Most times I want him on my left. He’ll call me a lot, I can always check to him and let him bet so I can raise. many times when I raise with a big hand, he’ll reraise and get rid of chasers. My odds of winning heads up with him is good.

My strategy is go to a satellite table when it is first spread. I lock up two or three seats just for me. As people come and pick their seats I start deciding which one of my seats gives me the best edge. I sell the worst one. Once all the seats are gone, it’s now time for the Satellite Director to pick up each players buy-in. At this time I still have my seat and one other. Now I look at the other players at the table and the new player who wants the seat I’m going to open. Based on how I rate players, I choose at what end of the table I will play at (I usually lock up an end seat at each end of the table).

I give up one seat, take the other, and I’m sitting in a position that I feel gives me the best edge against the players at that table.

(2) What if you are a senior citizen and have trouble seeing? You could just select seat no 5 or 6 and be right at the middle so you could see and read the board better. So a player who would have been a sitting duck at one end of the table is now given an edge by being able to sit in the mddle.

In conclusion, what Holyman saw as lemons I can make lemonade with. So I thank everyone who lets me take advantage of them at the satellite table.

Next week I’ll post part two in this series, playing with a partner.