Early Tournament Strategy

[pocketjacks]

I have read that you should go around picking up small pots early on in tournaments to accumulate chips. I have also read that you should not lose money trying to go after a "nothing" pot. What exactly does "picking up small pots" mean? Am I right in thinking that if you are the CO and there is only one or two limpers in front of you, you try a steal by raising maybe 3 or 4 X BB? I may be really off.
ANY advice is appreciated.

[Kronon]

In the beginning, especially at cheap tournaments, I just play normal solid poker. If I get the nuts or close enough to the nuts, I try and slowplay or go all-in. You will be surprised by the hands that will call you down sometimes (like ace high against a set).

Stealing blinds is pretty useless early on, since the blinds are so small and the players are pretty lose. Instead build a tight table image and bluff at the right spots to get some extra pots.