Handling your big chip count!!

[Moodymark]

Hi guys,

Although i've had a interest in Texas hold'em, for the past 2/3 years, it's only been these last 2/3 months i've been playing online poker, and playing for money,

I'm far from any seasoned pro, or an expereniced player, however i will say, that i grasp and have a 60-70% understanding of all things Texas,

However i'm finding 1 thing difficult to handle, maybe it's my inexperience or nerves, and i'm wondering what's the best way to play and manage yourself when being a chip leader, let me explain.

I play online poker at Victor Chandler, www.vcpoker.com, and last evening i played in a $500 freeroll tourney... in total 217 players took part, with payment down to 18th Place finish,

Due to good hands, and luck, i managed to accue very short of 30,000 chips, and was down to 22nd place, i thought great, hey i could really win big money here!!! with $150 for 1st place......

Once i got down to 18th, and i was guarenetted $7.50- i started to crack and panic, i was afraid to lose as much as 500 chips yet, with nearly 30,000 chips in my roll,

The question/advise i would like is-

1) just how do you manage and play big rolls?

2) i felt less confident with 30,000 chips, than i did at the start with 2000 chips?

i felt i could have easily finished higher, yet apart from the above, i just cracked and panicked,

In the end i finished 9th,,,, pocketting just $15 !!!!!

This is also the same for when i play 'Play' money/token... it's the same, when/if i have a high roll of chips.. i just seem to crack?

Sorry if i've waffled on for my first post.... but i do feel that could/will hinder me in future games and tournys...

So any help/advise will be greatly rececived,

Mark Preston, Oldham UK (Moodymark)

[Ventrick]

Once you hit the money you need to make a decision whether you are there to creep up and make a little more money by playing tight and letting others eliminate themselves or by playing aggressive and trying to win the tournament or go broke trying to do so.

It seems you are falling into the previous. Content to sit on your chips and let others knock each other out while you watch your payday going up, however giving yourself 0% chance to win the tournament because your once large stack has become the small stack.

The way to get around it is to forget about the smaller payouts. Once you're in the money play to win and the big payoff and don't be afraid to lose. Usually 1 First place finish will pay better than 10 10th place finishes.

[nicthestick]

HAving a big stack is one of the sweetest things in NLHE!!! You can selectively pick on the smaller stacks and bully them off of their pots with rags. the pros do this all the time. Just be areful not to get involved with another stack that can cripple you. Pick your spots, and put other smaller stacks to the test by putting them all in when you think they are weak.