Check-folding into the money
The chance of a beginner outplaying the more skilled poker players at the final table is very slim. Check-folding is a strategy that might help an inexperienced player move up a place or two on the money ladder. The other players might realize what’s going on, but since they are aiming to win the tournament, they will keep playing their game, and thus eliminate one another.
Mixing the strategies
A mix of the two mentioned strategies is actually a good approach. A really simple formula is applicable – play 1/x % of the hands; X = number of people seated. For instance, you should play one in two hands when you’re heads-up against another player. If you are overwhelmed by the rest of the table’s skill then you should move all-in with one in x hands. The downside to going all in on a regular basis is naturally that you will tend to get called by people with better hands. Once your rivals at the table figure out the frequency with which you are going all in they will wait for a hand that falls in the 30th percentile and then call. Like wise you can use this tactic when you’re facing players who appear to be playing an all-in game.