Psychological hurdles...

[ClemsonPoker]

A question about one in particular. I have at least two of these, and I'm wondering if they are horrible EV.

Late in a SNG, when I'm healthy, I want my steal attempts to mean something, which means against average players I'm not raising ATC on the button every time. The hurdle comes when I raise ATC relatively regularly for a few orbits and pick up the blinds, then I get a highish (A7o-A9o, K9o-KJo) hand. I find that I usually fold this, even though I know I should be raising.

Two reasons I do this (perhaps a rationalization). One, I don't want my later steal attempts to get picked off because I tried too many "steals" earlier (if they don't call), and two, if I'm called, I don't want to play guessing games with whether they are fed up with my raising and have nothing, or if they have a hand and I'm dominated.

Any suggestions on whether this is a big leak, or something I shouldn't worry about, and how to get over this hurdle if I need to plug the gap?

[taipan168]

I would keep on raising, particularly the above average hands like the ones you mention, until they start pushing back.

That said, if you have been raising very aggressively, there's nothing wrong with tightening up for a bit if you believe that your steals have started to attract attention. I would just drop the worst hands in your range rather than the above average one, however.

[Stackumz]

I often find myself worrying about this as well. I typically will steal with anything that is JTo or better, but if I have successfully stolen blinds over the past 3 or 4 consecutive orbits then I will get really picky for a while (AQ+) and wont play anything else for a few orbits. This is all of course relative to my stack size, but in general I am very cautious of people catching on to me, even when (or especially when) I have a large stack.

[Outlaw]

This is a common fear among players... its like being scared of success. Its something you have to overcome.. you have to play as if its your table and all the rest are playing for 2nd. Raise raise raise, hopefully someone pushes back with you have a premium. Long story short, make people fear getting involved with you.

[CoccoBill]

According to ICM it's correct to shove ATC IF villain will call relatively tight, if you think they start calling wider, you will have to adjust your raising range.

Quick fabricated example, 4 left, 5000 stacks, BB 800, Hero on the SB. If villain calls with 30% of hands, you should only shove 22+,A2+,KTo+,K8s+,QTs+,JTs (25.5%).