Setting it all up...

[Windbreaker]

I don't question the decision to call with KK here. My question was related directly to the payout structure.

If there was a tourney where first place paid $100, second place pays $90, and third place pays $30. To me, it's a clear mistake to call even with aces against someone that bust you out - if someone is really short on chips. You have the opportunity to take a massive chip lead by calling...and in most situations will indeed double up. But if you simply fold you can easily finish second and earn another easy $60.

However, my payout structure was linear.

1st - $160
2nd - $120
3rd - $80

So with the chip counts at around 14k, 11k for you, and 3.5k for the 3rd place guy....would it be better better +EV to go for moving up a spot than to try to win it all?

What difference between prize money and chip counts does it make it a more +EV decision to fold and avoid confrontation with the chip leader?

If the payout was non-linear and was stacked towards the winner, it's a no brainer call.