Aggression in early tournament play

[happyhornet]

Hi all, I have noticed since playing in tournaments with your good selves that my Harrington-esque manner of playing in the 1st hour or so seems to leave me a long way off the lead in most tournaments. I seem to manage to pick my way through the next few levels but almost always needing to put my tournament life on the line. As such I am rarely out early, mostly go out either side of the bubble with very few final tables to my name. This weeks Tikay tournament was a good example. I finished 50-odd, but was never comfortable. Looking on the leaderboard, it was awash with PL-ers. At the first break, many of you had at least doubled up. Without wishing any of you to give your secrets away, How do you play the initial hour or so? You cannot all have been dealt a monster, gone all-in, got a call and won. My TAG style isn't working, I want to try a different style, but am unsure how loose or aggressive is optimal. Any hints (or indeed comments on my play from your perspective) would be most appreciated. Cheers Steve

[slick mick]

Re: Aggression in early tournament play In the early stages I tend to only play big hands but play them hard to clear out the limpers. If I do get a call and get a decent flop then I'm going to play it hard again, if I get a dangerous flop then I'm obviously going to be much more careful. I basically play by the Harrington Book.