The final table of a multi-table tournament (MTT) is where the big money awaits. Once a player has made it to this stage, every effort is likely to be made to ensure finishing among the top three.

Introduction to an MTT final table …

The final table is obviously the location where every MTT player wishes to be. Some strategy is perhaps necessary in order to ensure completing the tournament in one of the first three positions. The way in which the prize money is allocated at the end of the MTT is that the first place receives 50% of the winnings while the 2nd and 3rd place finalists receive 30% and 20% respectively. This of course makes a difference to strategies and the way that the game at the final table is played. After all, it would be a great shame to have made it so far and yet not to get a share of the money at the end of the day. The aim therefore of an end table finalist is to finish in one of the top three places.

Observe and learn …

An important strategy upon reaching the final table is to observe the other finalists. The start of the end table is the time to size up one's opponents and to check out what a player is up against. It is recommended to look at the stack sizes of the other players and also to study their manner of play for the first few hands of the final table.

Strategies and tips for final table play …

* Many experts would advise first watching the other players' actions at the start of play at the final table. Jumping in feet first could jeopardize a final three position.

* It is recommended to begin with tight play at the final table until a player obtains a feel of the other players' actions.

* It should be noted that some level of risk taking will almost certainly be necessary at this stage of the tournament.

* Many regular MTT players would recommend that players with a medium stack size should play in a more aggressive manner than they did in the earlier stages of the MTT.

* For a player with a large stack size at this stage, it may be best to raise at every opportunity.

* It is probably preferable to go for the players with the medium sized stacks and to try to obtain chips from them rather than going for a small or large sized stack.

* Some players would recommend either to raise or fold at the final table. Playing with a strategy that avoids calling at the final table fits in with the aggressive type of play required at this stage.

* Concentration is a must at this stage of the MTT as players need to focus attention on the game in hand.

* It is worth bearing in mind that luck of course does have a part to play in the action at the final table.