In part two of this series (Terminators: the early game) we looked at how to approach the early game in Terminator Sit & Go’s with a simple, straightforward strategy. However, as Terminators progress things start to get more complicated. Players will have differing stack sizes and varying bounties on their heads, and the size of the bounty will not always correspond to the size of the stack.
One thing that is true in the later game of this format is that if you get a lot of chips by knocking other players out and then lose them, you will become a more attractive target for the remaining players. With this in mind it is wise to avoid large and potentially devastating confrontations that can knock you down, leaving you vulnerable to attack. Instead, focus on eliminating the players that are themselves low on chips (unless you are a big favourite).
Putting stacks into practice
Consider a situation where there are four players left in a $10 game. At this stage there would be $55 left in equity after six $7.50 bounties have been claimed. Now imagine we have stacks and bounties of 2,000 ($10 bounty), 1,500 ($15 bounty), 3,500 ($12.50 bounty) and 8,000 ($17.50 bounty). Here clearly the biggest bounty is not the most attractive target as no-one can knock out the big stack in one fell swoop. Instead its best to target the second biggest bounty who is also on the smallest stack.
The likely game flow here is that the big stack will be able to bully everyone by moving all-in frequently, assuming the blinds are high, since calling against him will be terrible with no possible bounty reward and because the chances of another player winning overall are not very good at this point. The other stacks will have to look for opportunities as best they can where they may win additional chips and a bounty.
The player with 2,000 chips therefore should be very keen to gamble with the player with 1,500 chips, as it will give him a big bounty and equal chips to the second place player if he wins, whereas the 3,500 stack should be looking to attack the 2,000 stack, who will want to avoid a confrontation.
Of course, with 1,500 chips and a high bounty the low stack is in an awkward position and should simply be looking for the best possible hands to push or call all-in with, or situations where winning the blinds or doubling up will allow him to cover another player and get back in the game. Such a huge lead in a Terinator should ensure that with a little luck you should be able to bully your way to glory!