Excellent debate, particularly the flat vs raise with aces part... I'm willing to accept that flat calling encourages action I may not want, but then again with 80% against the range that tries to push me out (the high pairs + maybe AKs I'm ok with it, maybe too MTT oriented here (mostly play the MTTs these days).

It was a trick question, but only in a fun way.

Everyone made a mistake (including me if you count the flat with aces!)

J10s was not quite good enough for shorty to push (given the blinds are still small enough to wait and giving 3 opponents reasonably tight (10%) calling ranges) he needs Q10s at least according to the SNG Power Tools.

My flat with aces may have been a mistake (on reflection, no, I'm good with this!)

The SB's QQ was a mistake if he saw from the pot odds that I could never fold (more than 3/1) and read me as having 10 10+ AQ+ (actually I had been playing tight so JJ+ AKs+ would have been more reasonable here... but fair enough I flatted to look weaker!), he needed KK+ in this situation to make a profitable call.

The BBs QQ was an abomination... this call costs him at least $50 (the $40 for 3rd + some small chances of finishing 1st / 2nd) in equity against ranges he is no better than a flip against at best and likely to be a 4/1 dog!

Note to self: Play on Carbon more often!

Cheers, Mark