In the early rounds, it is beneficial to play tight, as most of your opponents will be calling stations. What are you supposed to do when the blinds get really big and post-flop play disappears? When the blinds get really big and players are close to the money, most opponents will play very tight. Most of your opponents are trying to make it into the money and don't want to get eliminated. If you play to make it into the money, it will be very difficult to win a tournament. To win a tournament, you have to learn how to play aggressive when the blinds increase. Most of the time, you will raise and everyone will fold pre-flop. It is your job to observe the table and see who is likely to fold. Use position to your advantage and pick spots to be aggressive. All the tight players at your table will be too scared to play back.

Gradually you will build up your chip stack and hopefully make it to the final table. Sometimes you will bet into the best hand and be knocked out of the tournament. Trust yourself to be aggressive late game and you will give yourself a great chance to win the tournament. One first place finish is better than making eight final tables and not winning. Tournament prize structures are designed so that the winner gets the majority of the money while everyone else gets the leftovers. Go for the gold every time you sit down in a poker tournament. This is one of the few times in life where it is correct to play aggressive and fearless. I hope to see you at the final table one day.

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