Too aggressive on first hand?

[Brad F.]

I like this thread, good question.

Those 30 chips will mean nothing in the long run. Absolutely nothing in my opinon. I fold and keep my 80 chips, which also doesn't mean much at this point in the tourney really, but I think in most cases you either gain 30 or lose 80 here. Not +EV IMO, slightly -EV.

HOWEVER, if there is a limp or two, or a raise to 60 or even 80 with a caller or two, I'd call or limp in a heartbeat. You are in position, and these types of hands often can be the hands that get you ahead in a tourney.

For example, in a 30+3 the other day, I have 4-8 of clubs on the Button. MP1 minraises to 40, MP2 calls, I call, both blinds call.

Now already you have a pot of 200. Flop comes A-10-4 rainbow. Chech check, bet of 75 from MP1. 1 fold, I call, blinds fold. Turn comes another 4. He bets 100, I raise, he reraises, we eventually get all-in and I beat his A-10.

This is just an example, but when I do well in a tourney, it's usually because of hands like this early on. I think it's +EV to call with these types of cards in late position early, but slightly -EV to open raise.

Brad