Since the hand you really want to spend your money on may be just around the corner, you shouldn't put money in with hands you "lukewarm" about. First, it's hard to tell if you're a 55% leader or a 45% dog in lukewarm hands. Since the hand you feel good about pushing your stack in with may be the next hand you're dealt, you shouldn't risk your chips on marginal spots. Think about it like this -- the chips you're using tho chase with borderline hands are money you'll wish you had later to use, when the better hand comes along.
Example hands:
Full Tilt Poker $100 + $5 Heads Up No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t10/t20 Blinds - 2 players
Hero (BTN/SB): t1510 M = 50.33
BB: t1490 M = 49.67
Pre Flop: (t30) Hero is BTN/SB with 8
T
Hero raises to t60, BB calls t40
Flop: (t120) K 4
8
(2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets t60, BB calls t60
Turn: (t240) 3 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero checks
River: (t240) Q (2 players)
BB bets t190, Hero folds
In some spots, against some opponents, this will be a call. But usually it will be a marginal call, at best. We can just fold here and save these 200 chips to play with later. Suppose on the next hand we're dealt A A. Which stacks would you rather have?
Hero: t1390
BB: t1610
- or -
Hero: t1200
BB: t1800
In a way, your mistake is not just a one-hand mistake. It will compound over the rest of the match. In the same vein, making a good play early on will compound over the match too. In this matter, we must remain diligent to not make mistakes with marginal hands.
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