Paul,
All I know is that the guy in the $10-$20 game last night at The Orleans had pocket aces FOUR times in two hours & won all four times. So, he is WAY above not only how many times you'll get aces dealt to you, but, also how many times they will hold up! Of course that was a RARE case. As for playing 9-4 offsuit, I think I have seen EVERY possible hand played & win at one time or another! The one thing I don't agree with you on is the advice of patient. Without a doubt you need it in a live game (without it I would not have come out winner last night in the $10-$20 game) but, in a tournament like this one where the limits go up every 15 minutes & you only have $300 to start with ($600 if you take the rebuy) you need to play more hands. If we were talking about the World Series of Poker where the limits go up every 60 minutes then the situation would be different. I'm not saying play any two cards dealt to you, but, with the VERY short time limits you can't just wait for the best hand every time. You need to see the flop a LOT more............Andy - Las Vegas