Playing for 2nd place at a final table

At a final table, I find myself generally playing a lot tighter than normal, and avoiding pots with lots of action. In my mind, I just want to stay as long as possible even if it means not winning first but coming in 2nd or 3rd. I'd rather have a certainty at making 2nd or 3rd than possibly exiting 6th or 7th. Anyone else do this?

Yes i do this, but i wish i didnt.

I hardly ever do this, im so tight and agressive that its impossible to play for 2nd place. And yes i do end up leavign in 6th or 7th sometimes haha, but i say its worth it because i play to make a little cash (of course) but i also play for the compeitition.

OK, here's one for ya...

You're very short stacked in a tourney with 18300 chips. The level is at 6K/12K and the BB is approaching you. Out of about 1000 runners you look in the lobby and see there are 31 players left. 31st place pays $125 while 30th place pays $187.

You know that if you give up your blinds, you're gonna be left with 300 chips (and still in the tourny) for an orbit.

You're pretty sure that if you hold on and just fold, a player will bust out to hand you $187 rather than $125.

This is the position I was in yesterday for the $10 buy-in, 25K guaranteed at Paddy Power. When I had the BB I actually had an inside straight draw after the flop came down, but I lost my bottle and folded all and settled for the $187.

What is the "proper" play here?

I'd say it was worth it to get the $50 more. Odds were against you anyways, and folding was your best option.