That's a big buy-in for someone who is getting comfortable with their early game playing style. Even if you have the
bankroll to do it, you're going to run into a lot of very strong tournament players. Not sure where you play, but the 2.20 and 3.30 tourneys on Full Tilt may be better values for you. I personally like the FT Nightly Forum Game (.10 to enter) and its weekend cousins, competitive games without the all-in donkshove fiesta you run into in the
freerolls and public dollar games.
As for style, I agree with the consensus for tight play early. Use that time when you're not playing to
really watch the other players at your table. Who's open raising UTG with A-rag? Who can't fold once they're in a hand. Who else is playing tight? That information may become useful, and even if your table breaks, you're developing good habits. Go into the Tournament Analysis thread and what's the first question the advanced players ask when someone spreads a hand?
Any reads? The good players do it instinctively (and quickly). The players in your $10 game are definitely doing this.
One more thing about style, early or late. It's personal and you have to find the style that suits you. I'm a tight, conservative player. Try as I may, I'm never going to be a super aggressive table captain, it's not my personality. But the lesson I've learned from my reading here is that while you may have a default style, a good player has to be able to play
every style when the situation at the table calls for it. When the table gets tight and passive near the button, you have to be able to change your game to take advantage.
You can't be one type of player all the time. Another reason to play smaller buy-in tournaments; you'll burn through some buy-ins while developing a balanced style of play!
bd