When should you try to double up (NLHE)?

Question

I'm having a little trouble. Usually, I only play Ax/pp/suited facecards. However, in turbo tourneys, i often find myself in deep trouble when i don't get enough of these hands. I average about 10-15% total hands played to flop, so usually when i blink my eyes, suddenly my Q is .25 or worse and i'm looking for an all in hand.

How do you recognize when you need to push a marginal hand early in a tourney?

Answer 1

When you have 10x or less  the big blind, you are in a need to double up position.

Answer 2

You should try and double up anytime you think you've got the best hand and you have the opportunity.

I'd quit playing any ace under Ace Ten, your going to get out kicked way too often playing Aces with a crappy kicker.  

Play any two face cards weather they are suited or not.  Play any Ace suited, suited connectors, and any pocket pair.  

Playing 15% of your hands in a turbo is too tight

Answer 3

Remember that it is called big slick because it will hurt you. a pair will beat it most of the time.  A pair is a good hand.  Inside connectors is good, suited is better.  This is gambling, not crocheting.  Scared money doesn't make money.  If you chase it, it will run away, just like my cat.  But she will come to you and pet you, too.  When it comes, take advantage!

Answer 4

for a turbo you are playing way too tight...you said it yourself, you are waiting for hands that aren't always going to come, and waiting for the deck to smack you upside the head is a sure way to lose in poker...you just have to play close attention to how your opponents are playing, and find people who are, quite honestly, playing the way you have been...if no one's entered the pot and you find those kinds of players behind you, you need to open any two cards even if it's for all your chips, and you can't hesitate to do it because blind stealing and pre-flop play is so crucial in turbos...if you never get caught with your hand in the cookie jar then you're playing too predictably