[devilz_shark]

Freeroll Strategy - Part I
In this multi-part Freeroll Strategy Guide, we will discuss a few dos and don'ts for the different phases in a typical Freeroll Tourney. So, what is a typical freeroll tourney? A typical freeroll is a multi-table no-limit holdem tournament with usually 1000+ players that compete for real money prizes. The player mix usually consists of many rookies and somewhat advanced players plus a few very good ones. Unlike at your favourite ring-game table you will usually not have any information available about the playing styles of your opponents.
Strategy Level 1:
When the first hand is dealt in a freeroll, that is when the action starts. And for some players, this is also when it ends. People are willing to push all in with almost random hands - it's their way of playing: either they get lucky and gain an early lead, or they bust and look for a different tourney. Anyway, we want to describe a strategy that produces more consistent results. At level 1 this is: Don't call any raises pre-flop, expect to be (re-)raised on any of your bets or raises (ie: play nothing but AA or KK - remember AK is only around 23% winner in a common 5-way hand).
Strategy Levels 2-3:
Even though the first batch of players left the tables by the end of level 1, there is still plenty of action around. The blinds are low compared to the final pots. Try to limp in regardless of your hand, if you are in late position or in the blinds. Should you hit the flop hard (2 pair+) you will get excellent payout from the crowd that justifies even the calls with underdog hands. Otherwise muck your cards as soon as any action sets in. Bluffs don't work that early in freeroll tourneys - so don't even try.

Freeroll Strategy - Part II
Strategy Level 4-6:
The dust settles. The people at your table now actually stay there for more than a few hands and you will get the chance to assess their plays. During this phase, usually before the first break, people are still willing to call you with draws or if they hold second pair. Now you will want to adapt your game to the size of your stack: Try to see flops in late position, if you can afford it. Otherwise call with pocket pairs and raise AK-AJ pre-flop (to reduce the number of people that see the flop). After the flop, don't put any money in unless you hold high pair or better. Be careful though, if you face any action on an Axx flop as your kicker may not be good. In multi-way hands it is not unlikely that someone hit 2 pair. On a very small stack, wait for AK or any pair, which you will get once in every 12 hands, to push-all in.
Strategy Levels 6-12:
After the break, play the rock: Fold away! If you aren't forced to make a move, fold your cards and save the bets. Play only premium hands: AA, KK, QQ, AK. This style will allow you to steal blinds a couple of times and keep your stack size at an average level: Attempt to steal only when you are on the button or one seat away from it and raise 3X to 4X the BB if everyone folds to you. Continue betting on the flop, if you are called by the blinds, even if you did not hit anything worthwhile.


Freeroll Strategy - Part III
Strategy Levels 13-18:
This strategy phase is actually more tied to your stacks size than the levels mentioned. Blinds increase and you will have to start picking up pots more frequently. Your goal is to cruise around the average stack size of the tournament (do not only compare to your own table). If you can afford it, stay with your super tight game from earlier levels, but try to not fall significantly behind the average stacksize. However, if you do, you have to take a decision at that point: play more hands and play them agressively, or play the push-or-fold game. In any way, if you play: do not play weak or peel (as in call small bets to see cards).
Approaching the Money:
This is a very special phase: blinds are really worth steals now and you are only a few places out of the money. Another decision is due: Play tight and barely reach the money? Or go after the chips now? Now it is the time that people will happily fold their blinds to your preflop raises. Most people are trying to make it to the money and you can take advantage of it. But what if one of those guys has a big hand? Well, don't let him take you out. It's profitable to steal, but you run the risk of getting kicked by a big hand. For the start try to play it this way: Steal only when you are in late position and not more often than twice per round. If you get re-raised, fold. If you get called, bet the flop even if you don't hit. If you face a raise or call and have not made your hand by the turn - don't put any more money in. Obviously you could also make it to the money with passive play, but that hardly needs any advice and by collecting the chips at this phase, you will become a strong force during the last phase.

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