Here is the scenario - after 4 hours of play you have reached the final table of a Texas holdem tournament at your favorite online poker site. 500 players are already out and only you and 9 others remain. The prizes rise sharply for each place ahead and you are looking at your biggest cash to date...

While reaching a final table is the dream of many online poker players how many have thought through their holdem final table strategy for when they get there? After all, one mistake could now cost 100s if not 1000s of dollars!

This article looks to address holdem final table strategy by looking at 5 easy ways in which any player can improve their final table play.

Texas Holdem Final Table Strategy Tip #1 - Watch The Last 3 Tables.

Getting reads on your final table opponents before you reach the very last table will give you an immediate edge. When you get down to the last 3 tables make sure you are watching each one closely and taking notes on the style of your potential opponents. Things to watch out for include aggression, bluffs and strange bet sizes. Any information that gives you a read on an opponent is an important aspect of Holdem Final Table Strategy.

Texas Holdem Final Table Strategy Tip #2 - Identify Who Is Playing to Win

While everyone would like to take 1st prize there are many players whose first priority will be to move up the payment scale. A valuable part of your final table strategy is to identify who is playing to win and who is playing to move up the payment ladder. If you do identify timid opponents who are less likely to take risks then you should ensure you play many pots with them. Conversely, those players willing to 'gamble' in order to take the first prize are candidates for big bets when you have premium holdings.

Texas Holdem Final Table Strategy Tip #3 - Learn Chip Equity Mathematics

This is something that can be done in advance of reaching that online final table. Prize pool structures mean that each chip can be assigned a dollar value. Gaining more chips at a final table will increase your chances of winning a bigger prize - but not in a linear fashion. That is each chip is worth slightly less in dollar terms than the chip before it.

Mathematical models such as the 'Independant Chip Model' explain this clearly. Becoming familiar with this will improve your online final table strategy.

Texas Holdem Final Table Strategy Tip #4 - Be Aware Of Stack Sizes

By the time you reach your online final table players will have a diverse range of stack sizes. Being aware of each persons stack size will assist your final table strategy in many ways. Some examples include:

- Small Stacks may be desperate enough to go all in with medium strength holdings.

- Big Stacks may be raising without strong hands to 'bully the table'

- A medium stack who raises when a small stack has already entered the pot usually has a stronger hand than when that same person is first to raise. Players who expect to be called do not usually raise without good hands.

Your own stack size, in relation to the blinds and antes, is also a significant factor in your final table strategy. Calculate how many times you can go through the blinds before your stack disappears and use this to decide how loosely or tight to play.

Texas Holdem Final Table Strategy Tip #5 - Practice Heads-Up Play

In order to win an online texas holdem tournament you have to beat your last opponent heads-up. For players used to full tables this can be a big challenge. Practice heads-up play in advance, either with a friend or at an online poker room. Experience in the relative strength of hands in heads-up situations will greatly assist your holdem final table strategy.