After the bubble: how to play once you're in the money
The moment the bubble bursts — everyone left is in the money — the tournament changes. Many players relax, some gamble with short stacks, and stealing opportunities appear. See bubble play.
What happens right after the bubble
Section titled “What happens right after the bubble”- Short stacks shove a lot: they’ve locked in a prize and now gamble for a double-up.
- Medium stacks relax after being tight on the bubble.
- Pay jumps are small at first, so ICM pressure briefly drops. See ICM.
How to adjust
Section titled “How to adjust”- Call shoves a bit wider when you cover the short stack — you have a good price and little to lose. See calling all-ins in tournaments.
- Keep stealing from tight medium stacks. See stealing blinds.
- Build a stack for the final table: the real money is at the top. A min-cash is nice, but deep runs make tournament profits. See tournament payouts.
- Don’t relax too much: stay focused; many players bust soon after the bubble by gambling.
As pay jumps grow
Section titled “As pay jumps grow”Closer to the final table, the jumps get bigger, and ICM matters more again. Short stacks get tighter, big stacks can apply pressure. See pay jumps and laddering and final table.
With a short stack yourself
Section titled “With a short stack yourself”Look for a good spot to double up — waiting too long only shrinks your fold equity. See push/fold and fold equity.
How does play change after the bubble bursts?
Section titled “How does play change after the bubble bursts?”Short stacks shove more, medium stacks loosen up and early pay jumps are small.
Should I call short-stack shoves more after the bubble?
Section titled “Should I call short-stack shoves more after the bubble?”A bit wider when you cover them, because the price is good and your risk is small.
What’s the goal after cashing?
Section titled “What’s the goal after cashing?”Build a stack for the final table, where most of the prize money is.
What should a short stack do after the bubble?
Section titled “What should a short stack do after the bubble?”Look for a good spot to double up before fold equity disappears.