Suited connectors early in the tournament?

I like to play those when I can limp with them, but there are a few problems:

1. I have to fold to a big raise
2. They hit two pair using both cards or better 5% of the time
3. I can't seem to get money out of my opponents when I hit

at most I seem to get 30%-40% of their chips because I'm betting the amount they're likely to call

Should I just play strong hands on the flop with a lot more raising and betting? Or even go all-in seemingly on a bluff?

Also, maybe if I just camp for the best hands this early in the tournament I wouldn't lose chips... but of course playing suited connectors should be EV+ when your M is over 40

So, two questions: how do I play against a raise PF (what's the biggest raise I should call) and how should I play after I hit?

[mgobluefb]

I love playing suited connectors early in MTTs, and often I will call small raises with them (...and sometimes I will incorrectly call larger raises with them...). I think its a good idea to try to get into pots early, when it's cheap, with speculative hands like suited connectors.

It's tough to say what to do with them if you hit. If you hit big, it's often safe to slowplay because you will have the near-nuts (straight, flush). The other option, when you feel you are up against TPTK, an overpair, etc., is push it pretty hard, and you'll most likely get action.

[Kraythe]

I like to play those when I can limp with them, but there are a few problems:

1. I have to fold to a big raise
2. They hit two pair using both cards or better 5% of the time
3. I can't seem to get money out of my opponents when I hit

at most I seem to get 30%-40% of their chips because I'm betting the amount they're likely to call

Should I just play strong hands on the flop with a lot more raising and betting? Or even go all-in seemingly on a bluff?

Also, maybe if I just camp for the best hands this early in the tournament I wouldn't lose chips... but of course playing suited connectors should be EV+ when your M is over 40

So, two questions: how do I play against a raise PF (what's the biggest raise I should call) and how should I play after I hit?

Sutied cards are only marginally better than non suited cards. The question is, why do you like the suited connectors? To draw to the flush and the straight? Both of which will get you in deep trouble even if you hit your hand.

You: 8 9
Flop: 3 J K

You think you are golden til I tell you someone was playing A T at which point you are likely all in and out of the tournament while someone else has the nuts. Similarly consider:

You: 7 8
Flop: 9 T J

Golden? Probably not. Anyone playing KQ (a common hand to play) will have you dead as a duck. Anyone playing AQ will have an open ended draw for the nuts.

In summary, suited connectors dont mean much. Your 78 or 89 are much more likely to hit you 2 pair then the flush or straight and when you do hit that two pair you are likely to have tire tracks on your forhead from getting run over. Furthermore, you will spend a fortune on drawing flops that miss you and turns that miss you.

[drmcboy]

I pretty much use the PP rule, 1/15 of the stacks I call for sure, up 1/10ish. Pot odds play a role too.

If I hit it depends on board and opp - generally leading into raiser is g00t if OOP. As said above the stronger the hand the more likely you should be to slow play.

[ZenOffsuit]

I like to play suited connectors and semi connectors early in a tournament if I am in late position when there are already a few limpers in the pot.

I will also misrepresent my hand sometimes by raising from MP-Button with connectors. Even 3/4. If I get a call from someone holding A/J and the flop comes 34j or 44A I can trap. Even if it comes AT7....I am the raiser and can rep the Ace.