The basic advice that everyone gives on this in tournament play it that if you have less than 10 big blinds just go all in if you are going to play a hand because it puts maximum pressure on your opponents. Even though I find that to be some solid advice, what if you find yourself lower than say 5 BB in chips. For example, lets say the blinds are 1000/2000 and your have like 8000 in chips, is there really any way to get everybody to fold out so you can win the blinds. My guess is not very likely, you will either get called by a better hand or the big blind will probably call with any two. I find,(especially for stacks under 3 BBs) that limping in with a coin flip type of holding like 88, or KQ with intention of calling someone if they put you all in is a better play. First of all, if someone does raise behind, it will probably get the blinds to fold, therefore increasing your fold equity. If the blind puts you all in, you will usually be going in with the best hand. If everyone else limps, then you get an opportunity to see if the flop is favorable before committing the rest of your chips. For those reasons, I think limping with those stack sizes is much superior play to going all in. What are you opinions on this? I love to hear it.
agent86nfang
I would go all in with 5 BB or less. At 10, I think a 3 bet raise would attract at least 1 or perhaps 2 decent hands that might go over the top. But to go all in with 10 BB is to aggressive in my opinion. Especially if you are in a tournament where the blinds are 500/1000 plus ante's. Under that scenario, you are probably in decent position in the tournament and waiting for excellent cards is more advisable than betting your tournament life KQ. Not that KQ is bad, but I'd rather have a pair.