Hey everyone, I've recently dipped into the world of 180 person sng's at stars, the micro (4+.40) buyin.

My plan, always, is to play the tightest of the tight poker I can for the first hour or so. no mid connectors, no calling SB with weaker hands. all i really play is pockets and AK, AQ etc, and thats if only i can get a cheap flop.

Anyways ive played about 4 (recently) and in that time i placed an 8th, 40, 41, 43.

I hardly ever bust out over 80 or 70.

My question is suggestions on stepping my game up as im usually 10-20 spots away from last at any given time (from 120 remaining to about 50 remaining), up until about 30 remaining (if i get that far) when im normally ~15. Tips, techniques, good hands to play ETC. that will avoid me having to push my usual 2-3K in the pot to pick up ~400 in blinds n such.