You should always ask "What is the best possible hand right now?" The answer can change with every card dealt. In a no-limit tournament, you don't want to play excessively tight. This may get you far, but usually doesn't allow you to win because you won't get enough premium hands to win with. Play solid-aggressive. Not too tight and be Very aggressive with your bets. The strength of your hand depends largely on the number of players at the table. With 10 players, you want to play selectively because blinds are too small to steal. With 6 players and less, hand strength increases along with blinds. Play much more then. Try to spot an edge on each player at your table and capitalize on it. Dont give up your edge. Do this by strong starting hand strategy, position play, good board reading, correct strategies verses opponent, and proper betting according to odds on each street. You are most likely going to be the best when you can spot everyones mistakes and do not make them yourself In no-limit texas hold'em, you do not need to win many pots to be successful. Usually you or someone elses 1/2 or whole stack will be infolved in the play. You must realize that you need a great hand to raise with pre-flop, and an even better hand to call