MTT Aggression question.

[SnoT_III]

Say we are late in a MTT. Around 350 joined and the blinds are 1000/500. The blinds aren't being contested too much. How often do you try to steal them? I try to at least once per orbit and maybe twice. Is this too much? Does it vary from table to table? Let's say i'm 2nd or 3rd in chips at the table with an M a little above 12. (M is the total of the blinds in comparison to your stack. so 1500 * 12 = 18,000 chips).
The reason I ask this is because I always feel like i'm asking for trouble stealing so often. I like to stay under the radar and not have everyone at the table wanting to take me out.

[drmcboy]

once/twice per orbit sounds good to me, obviously trying not to lean on the same folks unless they seem to like it.

I always feel like i'm asking for trouble stealing so often

I hear you but on the other side you're much more likely to get paid off if you pick up a hand, and if you never pick up a hand, you aren't going to win whether you're stealing or not.

[digitaldoc]

I'm a firm believer in the "steal to maintain and win to advance" theory. Stealing once or twice an orbit is fine. Remember who you steal against and vary your position from which you steal. Try to keep your table image in mind as you play. I like using the 1-2-3 rule as well. Steal Once fine, Steal Twice OK, third time you're likely to get called.

[SnoT_III]

Yeah, thanks for the help. That's basically what I was thinking.
One more scenario to add though.
Let's say you pick up KJo and you raise 3x bb to steal. This guy you've been stealing from a lot goes over the top all-in. Would you just fold? Or call it? I normally fold in this position because his range of hands could be anything.

[very_sneaky]

If ur known for stealin in the tournament .. it is possible that he was waitin for A anything .. but i highly doubt it.. at this point in late in tournament there is no reason to risk unneccesary chips .. u only put in minimal chips and is an easy fold .. now unless u have a read on the guy and u smell bluff w/ rags .. than its ur own decision

[drmcboy]

Generally fold depending on stack sizes, if he or I have like 5x the chips of the other, I might go head and call. Even if it's rags you aren't a big fav with KJ. The only good thing about calling with a flip hand like this is you show you're not raising with (total) trash and you're willing to back it.