Calling an all-in with top pair in tournament play

[MrX5000]

I was wondering when you think it's the right play to make a call on an all-in with top pair off the flop. When is it the wrong play? I see this play alot when I get raised preflop and instead of them throwing out a continuation bet, they go all-in. I have my own idea on it but I just want to know what an experienced vet thinks. treat it as a general question in tournament play and let me know a couple examples.

- X

[fracas]

One thing to remember is that going all in kills the positional advantage. If you're out of position, calling the all in takes away the information advantage your opponent would have had on future streets. Surprisingly few players seem to realize this. I've seen posters here mentioning having position as a reason to go all-in. It's absolutely the reverse.

[PantsOnFire]

Here are some of my thoughts:

1. It depends on your kicker.

2. It depends on what that top pair is A, K, Q, etc.

3. It depends on your read of your opponent.

4. What was the preflop action?

5. What are the size of the stacks and blinds?

This is a common play for an overpair on a wet board to protect a hand. Also, novices will move all-in if they flop a monster like a flush, straight or set.

Desparate players with small stacks will push all-in with a draw or top pair no kicker. So if I'm a big stack, I might call that sort of play. I will also make that play as small stack.

When the tourney is early and the blinds are small compared to my stack, I will lay down TPTK to an all-in.