Does anyone have any strategies for these tournaments. They have a flat pay out for the first 9 spots and then it increases quite a bit for the final table. Anyone with experience would be appreciated.
I like this tourney, although I like it's turbo counterparts a little more, although there isn't one for $4 stakes. But this one is a non-turbo, so let's talk about that a little bit.
There are plenty of strategies that people like to implement in tournaments. For me, before the antes kick in, I like to play tight, playing a small range preflop, in order to simplify my decisions postflop. I'd be more worried at balancing at higher stakes-- at these lower stakes, you won't get paid off all the time, but frequently there will be some donkey who hasn't noticed how tight you've been and will ship you their stack should your hand hold.
After antes, especially if you've been running cold, your strategy should shift from playing solid to trying to steal blinds from weak players. Your range should open up, especially in later positions, because the steals are important: it is how you avoid getting blinded out. One thing to keep in mind at this phase of the tourney is that many players get desperate here, and try to steal or double up with non-premium
hands (just as you are). Consider this when facing a player who has less than five times the initial pot, especially if they are in late position.
There are all VERY general, as situations in each tournament against each players can depend upon a hundred different factors. Hopefully though, this is a good start!