How I Deal with Deep Runs in MTTs (Struggles and Improvements)

Hi guys!





Lately, I've been digging deeper into MTTs, but I've noticed that I still have difficulties when the field gets smaller and the wage increases get bigger.





Sometimes I feel that I get very tense, losing points where I should apply pressure, especially around the last two or three tables.





I'm currently trying to work on:

• Playing more aggressively in the final stages
• Better understanding the ICM
• Not being results-oriented after a meltdown

I would love to know how you handle long runs.





How do you maintain trust and make good decisions when pressure increases? Any advice or personal experience would be very helpful!





Thank you!

Sure! Diving deeper into MTTs (Multi-Table Tournaments) in poker involves understanding more than just basic strategy
1. Early Stage Strategy (Deep Stacks)
Preserve chips while identifying weak players.

Avoid marginal spots out of position.

Play speculative hands (e.g., suited connectors, small pairs) in position for implied odds.

Don’t overplay hands like top pair/bad kicker.

2. Middle Stage (30–60 BB)

Build your stack without risking your tournament life unnecessarily.

Open up your range slightly.

Steal blinds and antes more frequently.

Pay attention to ICM (Independent Chip Model) if close to bubble.

Identify reshove stacks behind you before opening.

3. Bubble Play

Exploit tight players and survive to ITM (in the money).

Big stacks can pressure medium stacks.

Short stacks should tighten up unless forced to shove.

Medium stacks are often the most cautious—exploit them.

4. ITM and Final Table Strategy

Use ICM calculators to study push/fold spots.

Don’t just aim to ladder—play to win if stack allows.

Heads-up play requires a looser, more dynamic strategy.

Constantly adjust based on player tendencies, position, and stack sizes.

When poker was my only source of income for the past 3 years due to the war in my country, it was hard to suffer losses, especially when you were just hit on the last street with some garbage. Now that poker has become just a game with nice bonuses, I don't feel lost anymore