If you're on the final table and you're fourth or fifth, but there are a couple of stacks shorter than you, what is the value of letting them bust out before you vs getting into +$EV situations with the big stacks?
I often tighten up if there are short stacks, because I figure effectively you are that much closer to the win as they are likely to bust before you.
I can think of many many times where I confronted the chipleaders only to bust out, while a nit with 2BB ends up third...
e.g. say we are BB - five handed - chipleader in SB shoves. I have second biggest stack and A7o. If there are two short stacks on the table, should I call? (assume 45man MTT structure)
call:
If I win I'm massive chipleader and can dominate the table. If I lose I'm out. Calling is basically the best thing the short stacks can hope for me to do there. A collision is ++$EV to them. Often I survive the bubble with one or two BB as collisions occur in the bigger stacks.
fold:
I lose some $EV if SB is shoving ATC. The short stacks are likely to bust and I move up the money with a good shot at winning HU.
How tight am I calling here? ATo? JQs?
