Do you change your tournament approach near the bubble?

[Nesehorn156]

The bubble stage always feels like one of the trickiest parts of a tournament for me. Some players tighten up a lot, while others start applying maximum pressure. I’m never fully sure when to push small edges or when it’s better to wait and let others bust. Stack sizes and table dynamics seem to matter a lot here. I’m trying to get more comfortable making decisions in these spots. How do you usually adjust your strategy when the bubble is approaching?

 

[pep12343]

I prefer not to tell you how I play in the bubble because it would be a disadvantage for me. But I can confirm that I don't play the same way throughout the tournament; you can even play with the psychology of how you've been playing. Whether you want to cash out or win more money, I advise you to consider your position, how many chips you need and how important it is to end up in the money (ITM) and the potential for higher prizes after entering the money. Prioritize your game based on the profits you want to achieve. For example, if 9th place earns $2 and that amount doesn't appeal to you much, but 1st place seems much better and the top 30 end up in money, don't be afraid to take risks since your goal is to finish first. A 9th place wouldn't satisfy you, much less a 30th.

 

[dannystanks]

I play live tournaments and I love getting to the bubble stage! I’ve busted plenty of times on the bubble over the years and I hate it lol Being an older player now I am definitely tighter during the bubble. After 9-10 hours of play I’m just trying to get a cash at this point, so if I have a lot of chips I usually tighten and let the low stacks risk their tournament life. It seems there is always someone being aggressive at the table at this point so I’ll just let them do their thing. If we are lucky enough to be at a pure passive table with bad regs then I can be aggressive and steal blinds. If we are short then it’s definitely harder, just have to find the right spot to push and hope to double and survive.
I love when the bubble breaks because if you can be patient during this phase you can really ladder up because everyone with short stacks push now since they already in the money.
Fun stuff!

 

[letpic]

Hell yeah, bubble time: tighten calls, bully shorts/tights with wide opens/3bets if big stack. Stack mediums and cash fat