[RichC.]

i remember back when i was first starting out and always bought in short, typically half the max buy-in. then one day it was pointed out to me what i was missing out on, winning the most money. buying in short is good when moving up in limits but in the long run will cost you many many $$$$ left on the table because you bought in short and doubled up in one hand, which gets you to the max buy-in instead of double the buy in.