PP Million AK bubble hand

[RiverDood]

If the math is close -- which most of us think it is -- I think this ultimately comes down to asking yourself: "Why am I playing in this tournament?"

That's going to mean adding some non-economic factors to the mix. If it would be great for self-esteem/vindication to say that you cashed in this major tournament, on any basis, then fold and wiggle into 218th place. Or if your own overall finances are "on the bubble" right now and you really need that $900, then it's wise to fold into the money, too.

If higher finishes in the tournament have a sizable psychic value to you -- beyond the probability-adjusted cash value -- then push and play on. It sounds as if that subliminally led you to push right away, and that's not a bad decision. Heck, even when it didn't work out, you got an interesting bad beat story (four words that hardly ever belong together) and a chance to talk it over with Dan Harrington. That has some value, too.

Of course, if you start playing the state lottery or playing gutshot straights for big raises, then you've let thrill-seeking get totally out of control. In this case, though, the stakes/penalty for taking the riskier road are manageable, and the non-economic gains sound meaningful.