Risktaking in WSOP Satellites

[number5858]

Yesterday, I played in the $100 buy-in WSOP satellite on Paradise and was confronted with the decision to race early twice. The first time was on about the 7th hand. I was dealt AQ suited in late position and knew I was going up against a probable JJ-99 from early position. I decided that since only the winner gets a seat, I was willing to race earlier in the tournament then I normally would. A few hands later, I was dealt QQ and figured I was up against an AK and made the same decision. I was right about the hands, but lost both races.

Am I correct that you are better off gambling in a tournament structure like this since only the top position counts?

[CardSharpCook]

I think it is a common fallacy. You are trying to play the final table at your starting table. Play one table at a time. You won't win it all at the first table you play at no matter how many times you accept being a 5:4 dog.

CSC

[Jurollo]

CSC is right. Essentially play the same as you normally would. Being shortstacked at the final table is an ok place to be because it can be easily remedied.
~Justin

[-Oz-]

When there is only one prize in a tournament (correct assumption here?) your strategy is pretty straightforward: take any +EV situation that comes along.

I suspect that the money in the pot made your plays +EV in both cases once you had the information to know what the situation was. It sounds like you made the right plays to me.

-Oz-