Stack Sizes- Is it the #1 Factor for MTT success?

I am not recollecting what pro wrote this but thought it would be cool to post it and get your reactions.
Do you agree or disagree?
Stack Sizes- you should still take flops with people, because they will play really badly and make huge mistakes post-flop, but you have to be conscious of your stack size and what it allows. Everything — and I mean f---ing everything — in tournaments is dependant on stack size; it is clearly the most important concept

Originally Posted by checkoutwass

I am not recollecting what pro wrote this but thought it would be cool to post it and get your reactions.
Do you agree or disagree?
Stack Sizes- you should still take flops with people, because they will play really badly and make huge mistakes post-flop, but you have to be conscious of your stack size and what it allows. Everything — and I mean f---ing everything — in tournaments is dependant on stack size; it is clearly the most important concept

that is one of the main factors for MTT success, having a bigger stack size means you can play almost any hand and when against tight players during the final round of the tournament, if you know the are playing AK, AQ, or like hands and there are no aces or face cards on board they might still try to steal the pot by going all in so calling them will be easy with a medium pair, their reason for going all in may include both their M number (stack/ blinds) and also the fact that they may already be over committed to the pot by raising preflop for several reason. so stack size become a huge factor in the final rounds, using stack size in early stage is good play because alot of the guys in may be looser, and with few if any reads you are jeopardizing your stack lead, so waiting on till middle of the game when you have substantial reads on the other players to begin ultilizing your bigger stack to it full advantage .

[dreilly]

No it is not the most important factor

The most important factor is getting the most value out of your hand in any given situation

[dazmon]

Having a big stack is obviously advantageous but that alone won't guarantee success.

If you play like an idiot your big stack can soon disappear. What the big stack does is give you options - you can play the odd marginal hand when you perhaps shouldn't knowing that it won't ruin your tournie. If you throw the big stack around all the time people will soon get wise and start sitting on you waiting for a double up.

[arjonius]

It's not just having a big stack that matters. How deep the stacks are is also an important consideration. If you're above average compared to the opponents you play, deeper stacks enhance your advantage by allowing for more play.

I disagree stack size is not the most important part of MTT staying alive is. When there is only 2 people left than one is a short stack. Greed is the #1 slayer in MTT. You push small stacks around and you become one. In my view staying alive is most important. If you only have 1 chip and you hit the money you won. From what I have seen is small stack on final table has a better shot then the blind stealing chip leader.

[Clownboy R]

Having a big stack is important but I have seen so many rags to riches stories at the final tables.(myself having written them as they played out)

I would say no, Having chips isn't the most important thing, Having the right read of the opponents and picking the best spot to push is the most important factor.
Chip stacks are just markers of positions in finishing.
Don't ever let having the chip lead make you think your a shoe in.
I think having chips is a dis advantage
because so many become over confident and make big mistakes.
I myself play the players not the cards or the Stack size.
it is the same game MTT- STT- FT A poker Game is a poker Game Play the best you can and let the cards fall where they may.

[eberetta1]

Yea big stack is important, you are basically trying to be the last person with any stack actually... That would get you the same results as what everyone is trying for.

[greywind50]

Big stack or stack sizes is just one of the many factors you need to be aware of. If there is a big/huge "aggressive" stack at your table, yes, it is the "most important factor" as your tournament life could be on the line every hand the big stack gets involved in.