It's vital to have a good short stack game when playing tournaments, especially online.
I regularly join online MTT's at the last minute of late registration, and when you join that late you're usually starting with a short stack.
I look for a certain range of hands, and a good opportunity to double up. If it doesn't work out, on to the next one.
Once you get that initial double up, you're in the game, and on your way to a min cash. You should be able to play a little tighter after a double up, and cruise to at least a min cash.
I like to secure a min cash before going for the win, and try not to force moves I wouldn't normally make. Always play to win.
Whenever you play any hands short stack(10bb's or less) you should be looking for opportunities to get your money in as a favorite.
I never make calls knowing that I'm likely to be behind, and you typically want to be the aggressor, not the one calling the all ins. That way there is a chance a player still might fold, and you can steal the pot.
It's hard to make calls with small pairs even while short stack, again try to be the aggressor when going all in.
Hands like AK, AQ, AJ, KQ are hands you should be moving in with, and trying to lure players in with stronger hands for maximum value.
That's the basics of how I approach poker tournaments where I'm short stack.
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