Unsure of this hand

[spindizzy]

This is from a SnG 2-table Nolimit Holdem tournament at Pacific buyin $8.

Players, Hero ($3371), P1 ($5724), P2 ($6905). Blinds are 300/600.

Hero is in BB, P2 SB.

Hold cards: Ah 9c

P1 folds, P2 completes, P1 checks.

Flop: 5h 6h 10h

P2 bets 600, Hero calls

Turn: 10s

P2 bets 600, Hero calls

River: 10c

P2 bets 600, Hero folds

First, should I have raised my hand pre-flop? I'm poor at shorthanded play.

Second, on the flop I figure I am one card away from top flush. I think I can't afford to lose this hand. I have only got $2771 which is not even 5BB. The others are better off, I need this one.

Second, the fold. P2 bets consistently 600, but is in shape to bluff. After 3 Ts show up... could I have won by kicker? I won't know.

Incidentally after this hand it's downhill, and I am knocked out shortly afterwards. On the plus side, I still make a nice profit.

What would you have done?

[willperkins]

When playing SNGs, I try to win 1st place and settle for 3rd. That being said, with your hand, I would push preflop. You have less than 10 X BB and a raise of 3 X BB would be more than 40% of your stack.

If I check to see the flop, and it came three hearts, I would still push. You will probably win it right there, if not you still have 9 outs to the nut flush as well as three outs with the Ace that might win it.