Single table tournaments are a fantastic place for an online poker player to start playing in tournament-styled games because they offer close-to-instant action, can be played in a short span of time, and allow you to get a decent cash reward with a smaller investment.  No, it’s not quite as good as winning a multi-table tournament, but Single Table Tournaments (STTs, also known as SNG’s for ‘Sit And Go’) give you a taste of the big action at a more affordable price for many players!

Why are single-table tournaments becoming so popular with players?  As mentioned above, Multi-Table tournaments take time and energy and planning and single-table tournaments five you the chance to enjoy first-rate recreational poker play with a decent reward without spending hour after hour grinding at the virtual table.   You’re always in the game with an STT — you have to be!  It’s rare that a single-table tournament last longer than an hour and you’re going to have to bluff and be ballsy to win.

Variance is another factor: players that win frequently find that they have better times at SNGs because their exposure to a truly horrifying bad beat is limited to the buy-in for that tournament.  That fact, when combined with the way people play at STTs means that players can really reap rewards off haphazard gamblers and bluffers who think they know how to play.

Some general advice about Single Table Tournaments: only enter events where you’re comfortable with losing your buy-in.  The fast pace and demanding play means that you can be out very quickly.  Don’t believe you’re going to win an STT with a single hand: tournament players tend to be more determined to hold on to the stack if there’s no rebuy in place.  Keep an eye on the blinds: they rise more quickly in STTs to hasten gameplay and being slow on the ascent can bite you in the rear.  Situational awareness is key in all tournaments, but especially in SNGs because of the way the game moves.  You’ll want to avoid playing in multiple STTs simultaneously unless you are supremely confident of your abilities.

Good luck at the SNGs that are out there.  You’ll find a lot of different buy-ins and play levels, perfect for every player out there.