There I was, 37k in chips in last nights Stars 3r after the 3rd break. I'm in about 50th position with 375 remaining and it pays out to 180. First prize is 5000. I'm in the small blind and the blinds are now 800/1600 and I look down to see 44. All folds to me. I'm not looking to see a flop with this wired pair. I'm happy to pickup the blinds here. I push, get instacalled by the big stack in the big blind - one of 2 stacks at the table that has me covered. At first I think that he's just crazy and wants to look me up. Of course he turns over Aces and a 4 can't hit the board to save me.

Oh joy!

Been there before...tough break....and welcome to the boards!

Amazingly enough the same thing happened to me the night before pushing TT into a limped AA. I'm beginning to think that pairs in the blind are a curse for me.... but I'll keep playing them as I always have. I'm sure they're winners in the long run.