Tournament Creating a Muck Strategy for Multi-Table Tournaments URL has been copied successfully! A good muck strategy means knowing when to stay silent and when it’s okay to speak with your cards In multi-table poker tournaments (MTTs), having a solid muck strategy is more important than many players realize. Mucking refers to discarding your cards without revealing them after folding or winning a hand without a showdown. It may seem like a small part of the game, but how and when you muck your cards can influence your table image and protect your long-term tournament strategy. The first rule in developing a muck strategy is to avoid giving away free information. Whether you’re folding a weak hand preflop or scooping a pot uncontested, showing your cards can reveal patterns that sharp opponents will use against you later. In most cases, it’s best to keep your holdings hidden, especially in early and middle stages when you’re trying to build reads while remaining unreadable yourself. Players should also be careful not to auto-muck when it might benefit them to reveal a hand. For example, if a showdown would help reinforce a tight table image or convince opponents you’re playing stronger hands than you are, it might be worth showing. This can help you get paid off in future hands when you bluff or value-bet marginal holdings. Another key point is to avoid “slow-rolling” or unnecessarily dragging out a decision to muck. It can irritate opponents and break your focus. Be consistent and deliberate in your actions. Quick, confident mucking when folding weak hands shows that you’re in control, while hesitation can make others think you’re uncomfortable or unsure. In late stages of an MTT, mucking can also play a role in ICM (Independent Chip Model) considerations. If you lose a hand and your cards aren’t required for a showdown, don’t give your opponents extra information about your range in these high-pressure spots.