How To Cheat At A Satellite

I really love it when casinos and organizations make rules at protecting players from cheats, but the average tournament player either feels he doesn’t need it or is in fact, a cheat.

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. 

But is it really cheating if the other players allow you to do it? I personally, don’t think it is if you have the approval of the table. Therfore, what I’m about to reveal could be construed as cheating, but as long as the other players don’t care, feel free to use my strategy for giving yourself an edge.

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 an extra one.

By now there is probably another player standing there looking for a seat. I look at the other players at the table and the new player (who is looking for an available seat). 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.

In conclusion, I thank everyone who lets me take advantage of them at the satellite table.