Late in the MTT, PP against pushing chip leader

[PokerMatt2011]

This is a basic question, I believe. And, I know it has alot to do with how the feel of the table is overall. Here's the scenario:

I'm on the SB with 55, the player with the most chips at the table is pushing every hand to an amount that is more than I have (ie, a call=AI). There are only 30 players left out of 1000, and every spot gained is more money. But, every "playable" hand that is folded is more time for a possibly better attack. I was probably sitting on 5 BB, maybe 7.

Since he's pushing every hand, which is normal this late in the tourney, I want to call with a PP and maybe double up. What are your opinions on calling with a mid-PP that late in the tourney to an AI bet preflop?

I would post a HH, but I just did a format/install of Windows after a rootkit infection last night. Good thing I've been a computer tech for 15 years.

[PokerMatt2011]

After reading my post, I guess I'll ask the question more clearly.

Late in the tourney, you're already in the money, but there is alot more to come if you:

A: Stay patient, and hopefully hit a decent hand to push with.
B: Let yourself be blinded out, while lasting as long as you can waiting for a premium hand.
C: Adjust your card-quality requirements to fit the need for more chips and let it ride with a low PP or any sub-decent hand as a last-ditch effort to stay in competition.

Does either A,B or C always apply in that situation?

The longer you wait, the less chips in your stack to gain with an AI. The AI may lose, and 5 or 10 more spots worth of time you spent by going AI were sacrificed, leaving you with a lesser prize. It is a possibility that 55 is the best hand you will see in any of these situations. I had 55, 88, 44, and another I can't remember in the last hour of play. But very high AI bets occurred before my chance to call the BB each time, and I decided longevity in the tourney was more important than calling high raises with a PP. Am I making any sense here?

[drmcboy]

C

pick up a copy of HOH2 or Kill Everyone.

generically you should prefer shoving to calling.

Mostly you should focus on getting chips and not worry about moving up payout spots. that changes some at the FT and if you are really short on the bubble but not enough for you to worry about it now. Google ICM and check out the stickys in the SNG forum if you want more details.

In the situation described if he's really shoving every hand you should go with it, you're 60/40 vs a random hand and that's about a good as spot as you'll find < 10bb

[PokerMatt2011]

OK, awesome. Thanks for the advice. I'm otw to the stickys now.

[texa8]

You have 5BB, shit-all M with most likely the best hand. The only time I wouldn't get my chips in the middle with a hand like that is if there going to be a multi way stack off...

C

[PokerMatt2011]

Thanks alot. Over the last few days, that questions has answered itself when I've busted a few of these chip-pushers 2-3 times in a row for chunks of their stack. Good times.....