RFI at 20 BB in Tournaments (Vanilla vs PKO)
General Idea
Analysis of Raise First In (RFI) ranges in tournaments with 20 bb effective stacks. Comparison between Vanilla and PKO formats, considering tournament stages and ICM pressure.
Key Differences Between Vanilla and PKO
| Condition | Vanilla | PKO |
|---|---|---|
| 50% Field Left | CO ~30%, BU ~40%, no shoves | BU: shoves with A7–A9o, KTo–QJo, low pairs |
| 25% Field Left | RFI CO ~28%, BU ~36% | More shoves: JTs, ATo, KJo |
| ICM Pressure (bubble) | Range not much tighter, opponents fold more | Wider opens, fewer shoves |
| 10% Field Left | CO ~30%, BU ~40% | Push/fold if covering |
| Final Table | Significant tightening, blocker priority | Almost no shoves, many raises with A5o, K9o, etc. |
Hand Behavior
Axs, Kxs, Qxs
- Priority raise hands.
- A5s — universal 4-bet/shove, blocks opponent’s strong hands and doesn’t block folds.
Pairs (22–66)
- Often shoved from BU at <20 bb (especially in PKO).
- In Vanilla, more open/fold play.
Offsuit Broadway (KJo, QJo)
- In PKO — often shoved.
- In Vanilla — open/fold or raise/fold.
ICM Adjustments
- 💡 Smaller sizings, more folds.
- ICM pressure increases towards final table.
- Check/fold and check-behind used more often.
Adjusting to Opponents
Recreational Player
- Overplays hands, calls too much → raise bigger.
Passive Regular
- Folds to pressure, rarely bluffs → bluff more.
Active Regular
- Barrels and plays aggressively → check marginal hands, bet for value.
Conclusions
- RFI adapts to tournament stage, stack size, and format.
- Vanilla ≠ PKO: PKO requires more shoves.
- Blockers are critical under ICM.
- A5s is a GTO gem, especially for 4-bets and shoves with short stacks.
Related Materials: - A5s — The "Solver's" Hand - ICM Postflop in Tournaments - GTO vs Real Ranges — Adapting the Solver to Human Play
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