When considering a squeeze play in an MTT there are several factors you need to evaluate before you pull the trigger.
Factor 1: The original raiser
Knowing the tendencies of the player who opened the action is important. Pulling a squeeze against a conservative player may or may not be a good move depending on their image of you. It is their tight nature that might make them fold a hand as strong as Jacks or a big Ace, so don’t discount making a squeeze play if the original raise comes from a rock. On the same level, if the initial raiser is a maniac or a savvy internet player who doesn’t ever give a squeeze credit then you should only make this play with a legitimate hand. Also note that if any player raises from early position you should give them more credit for having a legitimate hand.
Factor 2: The caller(s)
Most players who call a raise do so because they want to see a flop and therefore will usually toss their hand quickly into the muck if you squeeze. However, you must be aware of tricky players who like to flat-call raises with big hands with the sole intent of inducing a squeeze play.
Factor 3: The number of callers
There are two schools of thought on this one. First, the more callers there are, the more profitable the squeeze play is because of all the extra money in the pot. Second, the more callers there are, the more likely that one of the players will have a legitimate hand and one of them will look you up. This is where your observations of the players involved in the hand will be crucial. If the players in the hand are weak, passive, or tight and will fold to adverse pressure, then raise it up. If you know there is no way they will fold, then don’t squeeze unless you have a legitimate hand. If you do have a legitimate hand, this can be a great opportunity to win a huge pot.
Factor 4: The strength of your hand
You don’t always need a hand in order to pull off a squeeze play, but fast-playing a monster can be a great way to get paid off by a worse hand. Weaker hands can be squeezed if the situation is favourable.