IMO, that early in the tournament...people are excited that its started and really want to play, I find people are far more likely to play any 2 cards in the first 10 hands or so...especially for $5 Sit 'n gos...not so much for the bigger levels.
With the blinds being so small, I think it would be worth a limp, and consider folding if there is a raise...depending of course on the size of the raise.
Also...do you find the $5 sits to be worth it for the payout?
I would fold AQo most of the time UTG. The thing is I hate limping in with a hand when I'll have to fold to a raise, so I'd much rather do my limping in late position. The way I see it, I'd rather save the chips to limp in later on with a hand possibly *weaker* than AQo, but in later position.
I don't like raising with that hand UTG either, because it's one of those "you'll only get action from a better hand" situations, since the blinds are so small this early in the tournament.
I think it's a raise or fold hand UTG, and I don't like raising.
In retrospect, I like the play, although it's by no means clearly the right or wrong play. I just made the play, and the thought struck me "hey, I just folded AQ pre-flop" and a chill ran down my spine.
Another "meta-problem" with the early stages of a $5 SNG is that you at high risk of getting choped off by a maniac in the first round or two. I find it's better to sit out more than usual in the early rounds to avoid this sort of gun-slinger style action.
I wouldn't say the purpose (for me) of the $5 SNG's is to make money. I just find it's good practice. Even if you get the odd "who cares about $5" players, you do find quite a few skilled players in these tournaments as well. [In any case, playing against wackos might be just as challenging...] I don't play these for the money, it's mainly for both practice and fun. I win consistently enough that I do make money in the long run, but it's obviously only a small amount. If I'm in the mood to make some money, I'll usually scoot over to the Party 2-4 or 3-6 cash games, or haul my buns over to the real casino.
But I'd really recommend the PokerStars $5 SNG's if you want some somewhat solid play for low amount of money risked.
Note that the PokerStars $5 SNGs are $5 + $0.50 while the PartyPoker SNGs are $5 + $1 (last time I checked). Try beating that 20% house drop... 10% is hard enough
I tried the PartyPoker SNG $5 +$1 just for fun. Pretty interesting stuff. You are right about the gunslinger's in the crowd though, definately better to sit back and let those guys do some damage
The head's up play at the end is really fun though! Raising/calling someone $3000+ in chips is cool 8)
Assuming this is no-limit play, I would guess that it may have been too tight, depending on which parts of your game are the strongest.
If you play well after the flop, it's worth seeing as many flops as you can while the blinds are cheap. In this case, folding AQ would be a mistake.
If pre-flop play is your strength, then you're probably smart to wait until the blinds go up. As the blinds escalate, pre-flop play becomes much more important.
Comments
This means you are first to act pre-flop, in the seat to the left of the big blind.
ScottyZ
IMO, that early in the tournament...people are excited that its started and really want to play, I find people are far more likely to play any 2 cards in the first 10 hands or so...especially for $5 Sit 'n gos...not so much for the bigger levels.
With the blinds being so small, I think it would be worth a limp, and consider folding if there is a raise...depending of course on the size of the raise.
Also...do you find the $5 sits to be worth it for the payout?
I don't like raising with that hand UTG either, because it's one of those "you'll only get action from a better hand" situations, since the blinds are so small this early in the tournament.
I think it's a raise or fold hand UTG, and I don't like raising.
In retrospect, I like the play, although it's by no means clearly the right or wrong play. I just made the play, and the thought struck me "hey, I just folded AQ pre-flop" and a chill ran down my spine.
Another "meta-problem" with the early stages of a $5 SNG is that you at high risk of getting choped off by a maniac in the first round or two. I find it's better to sit out more than usual in the early rounds to avoid this sort of gun-slinger style action.
I wouldn't say the purpose (for me) of the $5 SNG's is to make money. I just find it's good practice. Even if you get the odd "who cares about $5" players, you do find quite a few skilled players in these tournaments as well. [In any case, playing against wackos might be just as challenging...] I don't play these for the money, it's mainly for both practice and fun. I win consistently enough that I do make money in the long run, but it's obviously only a small amount. If I'm in the mood to make some money, I'll usually scoot over to the Party 2-4 or 3-6 cash games, or haul my buns over to the real casino.
But I'd really recommend the PokerStars $5 SNG's if you want some somewhat solid play for low amount of money risked.
Note that the PokerStars $5 SNGs are $5 + $0.50 while the PartyPoker SNGs are $5 + $1 (last time I checked). Try beating that 20% house drop... 10% is hard enough
ScottyZ
The head's up play at the end is really fun though! Raising/calling someone $3000+ in chips is cool 8)
If you play well after the flop, it's worth seeing as many flops as you can while the blinds are cheap. In this case, folding AQ would be a mistake.
If pre-flop play is your strength, then you're probably smart to wait until the blinds go up. As the blinds escalate, pre-flop play becomes much more important.