Tourney Play

I've been reading alot of literature lately regarding poker, one such book was Volume 2 of Dan Harrington's series. I do not know if it's a blessing or a curse that I've read the section on M. I seem to be more aggressive than I was before understanding the levels of M.

For instance last night I have approx 1,400 chips and blinds are 50/100. I'm in middle posistion with A-K of clubs SB is a calling station, and BB is tight so I figure I can win this hand preflop with a raise and I have a hand if called. I go to $300.

A maniac one away from the button simply pops it to $600. I figure if I call and miss the flop I'm going to be in a world of luck after this hand because I will be pushing all in alot down the road. I figure my best move is to push all in since it may be a race, I may have him dominated, or is the slight chance I'm crushed.

I push all in. He insta-calls with A-A and I lose. Now I know I'm going to hear you should of folded on the flop, and saved your last 800 chips. My motivation and moves are limited at this point and I think I wouldn't of lasted that much longer. Your thoughts.

In tournament play, if you're shortstacked you made the right choice... at least the same as I would do. Just wasn't meant to be.

Since I read HoH Vol. II, I've been much more aware of M than before. Now, if a bet will commit 1/3 of my chips, I'll just shove. In those situations, I can't c-bet without committing all my chips, so I might as well put the most pressure on the players as possible. I've also been more keen to double-up before I get in serious trouble, when it'll make a real difference. Yes, I've been running into big hands occasionally, but my tournament play and finishes have been more consistent since the change.