Should you play from behind?

Okay, it has been too long. I have a few posts coming, so keep your eye on this space (if any of you are still out there).

Today's discussion revolves around a leak that I think that I have in my game. I have heard different opinions as to whether this is a leak or not, so I would like to get your opinions, dear readers.

The topic is "playing from behind". This is where you get your money in, knowing that you don't have the best hand. Some believe that this is the "correct" play when it is mathematically correct to make the play. Others are of the opinion that you should never play from behind.

I think that my leak is that I will do this sometimes, making the correct mathematical play. Other times I will muck without thought. Here's an example: Game 1, $10+1 NLHE SnG on Full Tilt. I am in the SB, 5 players left. The UTG player, who has been a loose cannon raises 4X the BB. Folds around to me, and I have 55. I am 2nd in chips, and the UTG raiser is the CL. In this case, I fold, trying to get into a better position prior to pushing the CL around. Game 2, $5.50 MTT with 630+ players. I have hit some good hands early and have over 5500 in chips. The blinds are 50/100. Three players limp to me, and I have 66 on the Button. I raise to 800 to try to end the hand right here and now. Folds around to the last limper who goes all-in with 1300, so it is 500 more for me to call. There is 2600 in the pot and it costs me 500, or 6-1 odds. I make the call and he shows AA.

So which is the correct play? I know that they are all situation dependent moves, but in the first case I mucked a race (I'm guessing he had 2 overs to my 55), which is the wrong call, mathematically. The second case I use the Pot Odds, and the fact that I'm HU to take a shot on a 5-1 with 6-1 odds. I think that my biggest leak is NOT sticking with the correct mathematical play all the time. I try to make reads and plays against players in these small buy-in or micro-limit cash games.

So what do you do, dear readers? Do you ALWAYS make the correct mathematical play? Or is yours "read-dependent". Which way makes more money in the long run? I'm interested to hear your opinions. Or crickets, if no one is around anymore.

I'll cya at the tables.