Raise sizing under ICM pressure — adjust or keep it standard?

Near the bubble or final table, do you change your raise sizing because of ICM pressure? For example, do you open smaller to reduce risk, or keep the same sizing to stay balanced? How much do stack sizes and payout structure influence your decision?

I generally stay balanced, unless I am the chip leader, then I will apply pressure.

Adjust. In ICM (bubble, FT), the value of the chips changes, so increasing the size can put pressure on those who want to survive - but only against players who really feel the pressure. Against recreational calling stations, maintaining the standard is often better.

SergioV said:

Near the bubble or final table, do you change your raise sizing because of ICM pressure? For example, do you open smaller to reduce risk, or keep the same sizing to stay balanced? How much do stack sizes and payout structure influence your decision?

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ICM considerations near bubble are to not play post flop with the weaker part of our range so making open size smaller is not the best choice. Of course table dynamics and stack size play a role as well as ICM.

On the FT our opens are usually the same throughout our range-min- it is the range we change not the bet sizing, due to the high level of pressure any open places on the other players and the pressure placed on us by a 3 bet.

On FT it is our 3 bet sizing that fluctuates based on V range and stack size.

That is the basics many many other factors occur as well adjusting how we play FT bet sizing.

I just shove my best hands and fold everything else !

As I approach the bubble or final table, I start thinking not only in terms of ranges, but also in terms of the cost of each mistake from an ICM perspective.
I do adjust my raise size sometimes, but not automatically. In the early stages, I more often use standard sizings to avoid giving away information and to maximize value.
However, closer to payout jumps, I may slightly reduce my opening size, especially in spots where the risk of facing a 3-bet or an all-in from shorter stacks becomes significant. It’s not about fear, but about preserving flexibility: a smaller raise allows me to fold more comfortably without investing too much equity.
At the same time, I try not to go too small, because overly reduced sizings can give opponents good odds and reduce pressure.
In the end, my decision always depends on three factors: stack depths, payout structure, and how much the specific spot affects my tournament life.