2 Table SnG - "final 5-6" problem

[Resources]

i've been playing on pokerstar's 2 table $5-10 SnGs for a bit now...but have recently run into a problem over and over again. normally, if it comes down to the final 5-6, there are 3 senarios:

1) one HUGE chip leader and 5-6 stacks w/ 1-2k

i don't really have much problem with this senario. sometimes i'm the chip leader and i'll start pushing the small stacks around by threatening their "itm" win. if i'm a small stack, i'll start bullying the other small stacks by threatening their itm win.

2) pretty much even at 5-6k stacks.

in this situation, i rely on my solid image that i've built during the beginning of the tourney to steal blinds. when i've stolen enough blinds to be ahead of most stacks, i start pushing the smaller stacks and threatening their "itm win".

3) 3 avg stacks around 4k and 1 or 2 short stacks (1-2k)

i've been faced with this situation the last 3 SnGs i've played and i've had absolutely no luck. this is one of the most frustrating situations i've ever encountered. the short stacks will continue to fold over and over, going all in preflop only when they have premium hands or are in position to steal blinds. all three "big" stacks will be aware of what's happening, but hesitant to do anything about it.

when i face this situation, i'm almost always one of the bigger stacks. i guess you can say i'm kind of timid because....to be honest, it really annoys the hell out of me when somebody who is about to go bust w/ 300 chips somehow steals 2 rounds of blinds in a rowl and goes up to 2-3k. i know they're just playing like how they're suppose to do.....but that doesn't mean that it doesn't annoy me to death.

(there is another tatic which i find even worst than this where the small stacks just go afk and sit out waiting and hoping for the bigger stacks to take each other out.....lame imo)

anyway.....i have a horrible problem of going on tilt when this happens. i get so pissed off and just start pushing at the small stacks w/ hands i'm not suppose to...trying to kill the roach. then, either the small stacks double up a few times on me, or one of the bigger stacks takes advantage of this and nails me.

i just can't seem to overcome this hump....i've finished 5th in the last 3 SnGs i've played due to this same senario every single time. does anybody have anytype of strategy for this? is the solution to be lame and wait it out like they do?

thanks in advance.

[Resources]

no takers? i just finished 5th TWO times in a row again to the same damn situation.....

i can't take this anymore....taking a break.

[ihategnomes]

I'll take a stab

2) pretty much even at 5-6k stacks.

in this situation, i rely on my solid image that i've built during the beginning of the tourney to steal blinds. when i've stolen enough blinds to be ahead of most stacks, i start pushing the smaller stacks and threatening their "itm win".

Sounds good, just becareful pushing around smaller stacks, when you are not a big stack either, a small stack is simular to a cornered animal, you know they have to strike soon. Obviously there is exceptions, the tools that would rather blind out ITM than chip up and win. If they are TABTA, then run over them, if they are all-in crazy, sit back and chill. Anything inbetween and you just have to play "poker" and not cards.

3) 3 avg stacks around 4k and 1 or 2 short stacks (1-2k)

Quit being weak tight shorthanded? You should have more than enough information about the players styles and table texture. Assuming you have this basic info, your starting hand requirements should lower, hell, when it gets down to 3-4 handed, Im not sure if I even have starting hand requirements. When your playing short-handed you have to continually ask yourself, what type of player is this, what and where can I get him to fold. Find weaknesses and exploit it. I also noticed you dont mention anything about your image on situation number 3, if you have had a tight image, lag it up! You generally will make more money/ chips, playing a style that is opposite of your table image.