I would like to know what everyone's opinion is on what to do in this situation. I am in the sb with 7400 and the big chip leader is on the button. My stack puts me 3rd at the table with 7 remaining (5 places paid). Blinds are 400/800, but going up next hand. Button opens for 2000. This is the 3rd hand in a row he has opened, but has shown a pocket pair (33 & 66) the last two.  I look down and find AK of spades.  What would you do?

my opinion is this.  I personally could not call here.  Either pitch it or move all in.  I don't see the value in calling then folding.  If you feel that he had a strong hand I have no problem with folding if you feel you will have a better situation but I would think with the blinds going up that situation would have to come in the next revolution.  I would probably have pushed all in and hoped for the best.  You may very well have been a huge leader to his A6 or something.  If you call and dont hit you will probably fold so push it and give him the chance to fold.

I know I'm new here but I think I'm shoving here. Put him to a decision.

I would have to agree as well. Flat-calling would be too weak espescially for that stage in the tourney. If you flop air, you are pretty much forced to fold if he bets again. His range could have been anywhere after raising the last two hands and then raising again on the button. Did he always raise the button before?! You either need to shove or fold.

Couple of things that I think would dictate what you do: 
Are you looking to cash or Win (I know we all want to win but this is a serious question) because if cashing is your goal than folding might be the best option and let others take on the Big Stack.  Also the BB still is to act and may re-raise over you signaling a stronger hand.  If your trying to Win this is the best spot to PUSH only since that gives you the best chance to be heads up with him.  The only PP pairs you really have to fear is AA or KK other than that you have just under 50/50 if he does have another pair.  Another thing, did everyone else fold to him?  If so they probably didn't have very good cards  making you AK even stronger (better chance of hitting them on the flop).  I don't think your raise will make the big stack fold (depending on the % of your chips to his, it's only 5400 more for him to call you) so expect him to call unless he's on a total bluff. Ultimately it's what you want out of the tourney, cash or top spot.  Me I push here and bitch to all the other Oklahomapoker nuts how I just got cold decked if he has a better hand, and also bitch about how online is all rigged when he hits that 37 off suit and I hit air.  But that's just me, I'm a glutton for pain   

Thanks for the replies. I felt that it was definantely a shove or fold situation and that folding seemed really weak. I new if I was called and won I would be in great shape to win the whole thing. The money bubble was a consideration, but I believe you have to play to win and there was a great chance I was ahead. The big blind did not concern me because he had kind of tipped his hand early with his reaction that it was not very good. The button had raised the last three orbits when folded to him so this was another consideration for the push. He snapped called with 99.

Please tell me you caught AAK on the flop to crush him and his spirits!!

I wish I could, but the board blanked and I went home 7th. The funny thing was he called before the big blind could act and he did not realize how many chips I had. After thinking about it, he wanted to fold but the dealer held him to his verbal committment (rightfully so).