5) Position

Your Table Position
A key factor to consider is at the start of a round is your table position for the next EH. Position is important because you see what other players have bet before you. It is always advantageous to bet last or close to it since you have more information to base your bet on.

Always calculate the future position of the button for the next EH. Do this by simply counting counting button player positions sequentially. Note your eventual position relative to the button for these critical hands. Again, remember to recalculate the EH button position if player is eliminated as it will have changed.

At a seven player table having the button on the first hand means you'll also have it for the EH 8 if no one is eliminated. This is the worst possible position to have. The seat to the right of the button on hand 1 is the best possible as you will act last on the EH if no one is eliminated prior. The seats between the first and last to bet are progressively more advantageous. We'll see that betting strategies can vary according to your position.

Your Opponents Betting Position
You should keep an eye on all bets and especially bets made by the players to your right. You always act after these players except when you have the button. You have position on them. It's easier to jockey for chip position against them since you see their wagers before you act. You have the advantage of position so make use of it. Select your bet size to keep the pressure on them.

Players to your left will act after you except for then they have the button. They have position on you. You have little control over stack sizing with these players. To make a move on them it's best to wait until the button has just passed you. Acting after them may be your only opportunity to select a bet size that enables you to pass them.

The option to split pairs and double down can be an equalizer for bad position. These options give you a chance to change your wager and perhaps gain an advantage over an opponent with better position. Doubling or splitting is not automatic and should be evaluated according to the situation. Consider these options when they present themselves in terms of tournament strategy.

Stay Out of Last Place
Keep track of the player with the lowest chip amount. You don't want to be in the last two chip positions during an EH. Make bets sufficient to stay out of the last places and preferably in the top two chip positions. Rather than taking large risks, make bets that will give you a small lead. Losing these scaled bets will not have the same impact as losing a large bet trying to take a large lead. Be watchful for a big bet from trailing players and weigh its potential impact on your standing. If there are still several hands before the EH you may wait to see the result of their gamble before responding if needed. If not, consider making a bet that will avoid last place and place you near the top.

Watch For Betting Patterns
Sometimes you can make observations about an opponents bet size tendency. Make mental note of this betting pattern range as it could help you to anticipate their bet when you are out of position. Consider making wagers that are the opposite of the general trend of your opponents. For instance, if some players are consistently making large aggressive bets consider making small bets. This way you give them a chance to go broke. On the other hand, if players are betting small you may want to make larger bets to take the lead and put pressure on them. Adjusting your bet according to position and the trend at the table is a viable short term strategy.