There is something to be said about thinning the field. This applies to CASH and TOURNAMENT play.
This will eliminate the guy/gal on the fence with their hand, who without that early push from you would still be in the hand catching that miracle flop, whereas at the end of the hand you'd be scratching your head thinking, "Who in the hell plays those two cards!?".
In a cash game If I like my hand I raise, regardless of what I hold, keeps people guessing, thins the field, and increases the odds that my premium starting hand might have a chance to hold up. And if I have an iffy hand, it only cost me a little extra early on, rather than a huge amount by the time I reach the river and see I'm second best in the pot and a calling machine.
The last few Hold 'Em tournies I have been in have been brutal to say the least, its been a tough grind, so my opinion may be moot seeing as its coming from me. ;)
Fold Smart, Win Humbly & Lose Gracefully, because there are days where we all eat crow!
Regards,
TooBadMan
