Information gathering in the early stages is crucial for building a strategic foundation and gaining an edge over opponents. Observing playing styles, bet sizing, and tendencies helps in categorizing players and predicting future actions. This knowledge allows for better decision-making in key spots later, optimizing value extraction and bluffing opportunities. Establishing table dynamics early also helps in adjusting aggression levels and identifying weak players to exploit. A solid read on opponents from the start provides a long-term advantage as the tournament progresses.