£160+£40 Buy-in 25,000 Starting Stack Survive 11 Levels to Day 2

Early Game Strategy (Levels 1-4)

250-83 BBs • Big Blind Ante • Build Your Stack

The Goliath starts incredibly deep at 250 BBs. With the big blind ante from the jump, every pot contains significant dead money. This is your opportunity to build a stack through aggressive, calculated play while the blinds are still minimal.

Early Position (UTG/UTG+1)

Opening: 77+, A9s+, ATo+, KJs+, QJs+

3-bet: QQ+, AKs, AKo

vs 3-bet: Call with 88-JJ, AQs+

With deep stacks, we can afford to play a slightly wider range than traditional. The BB ante means we're getting better immediate odds.

Middle Position

Opening: 55+, A7s+, A9o+, KTs+, QTs+, JTs, T9s

3-bet: TT+, AQs+, AKo

vs Limpers: Iso-raise wide with position

Expand your range with suited connectors and small pairs. Implied odds are massive with 100+ BB stacks.

Cutoff & Button

Opening: 40-45% of hands

Any pair, any ace, K5s+, K9o+, Q8s+, QTo+

Suited connectors down to 54s

3-bet light vs tight openers: A5s, 76s, 87s

Maximum aggression from late position. The BB ante creates extra fold equity, and your position ensures you can realize equity post-flop.

Small Blind

Complete: 50%+ of hands with BB ante

3-bet vs BTN: 15-20% range

Squeeze with suited aces, broadway hands

The BB ante means you're getting 3.5:1 to complete. Don't fold as much as you might think - see cheap flops.

Big Blind

Defend vs steals: 60%+ of hands

3-bet vs late position: A5s-A9s, K9s+, 22-66

Check-raise flops aggressively

You're already invested with the ante. Defend extremely wide and use check-raises to take control post-flop.

Early Game Keys

  • Exploit the BB ante structure - fight for every pot with dead money
  • Play more hands in position - deep stacks favor skilled post-flop play
  • Build an aggressive image early - it pays dividends later
  • Target weak players who limp frequently
  • Don't be afraid of variance - you have plenty of chips to work with