End game strategy for MTTs

Hi,

I've been playing poker for about month with any seriousness, mostly starting out with low stake SNG's but I seem to have found a place for myself out lowish stake MTTs ($5 to $20). I've had some success, mostly make small profits each day. I've hit a 4th and 4 times in the top 25 this month but the returns are also reasonably small. However, I take the fact that Im consistent as a good sign.

My question really is how can I turn these top 25's into a more consistent top 10 finish?

I've been reading online poker forums for some time as well as a couple of books at home, Doyle Brunson's in particular. I think I'm quite a good situational player, always looking at the position as well as stack size, player reads, obviously the cards as well.

I've read lots about pot odds, equity value, and although I know my outs % should I really be getting down and dirty with the mathematics of poker? Does this replace my instincts?

For the poker beginner whats a few good tips to get my game progressing in the right direction?

Thanks for all and any help :D

Harrington on Holdem Volume 2 is your main book to read for endgame tournament strategy. It's like the Bible for late in MTTs or something.

Thanks, I have seen plenty of references to the Harrington series, so it'll definately be next on the list.

Learn about ICM too. But Harrington is an absolute number 1 priority. They're the easiest to read poker books, too.