I will be playing in a BJ tourney in a couple weeks. Everyone plays 4 rounds with the highest chip totals after 4 rounds advancing to a final table (I assume 20-25 hands per round). Prize money is heavily weighted toward first place ($50K). I want to win at all costs and do not care about 2nd - 7th (which also pay). The game will be SD,DA2,DAS,RSA. Presumably one hand per shuffle given the DAS and full tables.

First question - I know that counting is generally ill advised in a tourney format, but given the rules, would it be advisable to increase my bet in the early stages when I am acting last on a hand, assuming that I am using the proper hi-lo indexes (I'll do an SBA sim). Or, should I forget about learning indexes and just play BS. Yes, I have SW's Casino Tournament Strategy and will re-read before the tourney.

Second question - What are the current conditions in Reno/Sparks for low green SD play? I was last there a year ago. Any major changes that I should be aware of? I don't get down there much, so backoffs are not a big concern. I will also have a car. I am planning on hitting the fish bowl and pepper shaker where I have previous back-offs (no trespass issues), along with the truck stop on the way back to LA, and the nicer Sparks place. Anywhere else worth while? Is downtown still all D10, and elsewhere DA2? Also, is it safe to assume 35-39 cards pen, or is that just a fond memory?