It's debatable whether pushing a small pair is the best move in this kind of spot. I flip a coin - heads I push, tails I wait for 2 high cards or a mid pair. And you were ahead, if only slightly, of that AJ. Your results speak for themselves - don't change your basic strategy it works.

btw, CONGRATULATOINS on your many successes. SPOY in particular, but also the above tourneys. heartaches for sure. putting in the time, wading through all the entrants (more and more every day), dodging all the bullets only to be busted when you can almost smell the $$$$... i feel your pain... been there too many times. take some comfort that you get deeper than most consistenlty. says a lot...

wouldn't dare to "criticize" your play. so many factors involved and if you're not there with all the history and current facts, you'd be presumptuous to do so. however, almost everyone from Harrinton to McEvoy to Gordon consider all-in with low pocket pars a major no-no. having said that there are a number of "pros" that will do it routinely. personally and yeah, you've got me beat SPOY-wise, i routinely fold low pocket pairs where there's no PRESSURE. pocket pairs - no set, no bet.. :-)

You made the right play. Dont beat yourself up about it. That tournament is really tough considering the structure. I am not a fan at all of the structure since its the largest prize they give away yet the structure is tooo fast. Makes no sense. GL in your future tournaments. PEAZZZZZZZ