I have qualified for the top rung of a ladder tournament. 1st ladder was $3 plus 30c. Direct entry to the top of the ladder is $100 / $10. Prize is $500 for 1st, $300 2nd & $200 3rd.

Now I have had a really hard time recently until hitting 1st place on each round. Before this tourny I was burning out too many times on the bubble. So I am pleased but still 7 places away from the money.

Now my choices are to hope my form has returned or use the $100 entry credit to play the 2nd ladder 10 free times ($10 entry) and perhaps build up some more credit for the top of the ladder.

Any thoughts or change in tactics that should be considered? In lower ladders the final 3 automatically got through. This table will be the top players out of a field of 300 plus. Levels are 5 mins with chips 1500 and BB 15/10 to start with.