Bubble play in poker tournaments
The bubble is the stage just before the money: for example, 16 players are left and 15 get paid. The next player out wins nothing. Because a min-cash is worth real money, most players tighten up. Big stacks should attack, medium stacks should be careful, and short stacks should pick their spots.
Why the bubble is different
Section titled “Why the bubble is different”In a cash game, chips equal money. In a tournament, losing all your chips on the bubble costs you the prize you were about to win. That’s the idea behind ICM: chips you could lose are worth more than chips you could win.
By stack size
Section titled “By stack size”| Your stack | Bubble strategy |
|---|---|
| Big stack | Raise often, especially against medium stacks who can’t afford to call |
| Medium stack | Tighten up; avoid calling all-ins from big stacks without very strong hands |
| Short stack | Shove with good hands before you’re forced to; a fold can be worth more than a gamble if others are shorter |
Calling vs shoving
Section titled “Calling vs shoving”On the bubble you need a much stronger hand to call an all-in than to go all-in yourself. When you shove, opponents may fold; when you call, you must win the showdown.
Hand-for-hand
Section titled “Hand-for-hand”Near the bubble, live and online tournaments often play hand-for-hand: each table plays one hand at a time so nobody can stall. It doesn’t change your strategy, but it slows the game.
After the bubble bursts
Section titled “After the bubble bursts”Once everyone is in the money, many short stacks shove. Call wider with good hands and keep playing to move up the pay table.
Satellites are extreme bubbles
Section titled “Satellites are extreme bubbles”In satellites, every seat pays the same. With enough chips to win a seat, you can often fold even very strong hands.
See also tournament strategy and push/fold.
What is the bubble in poker?
Section titled “What is the bubble in poker?”The last stage before the money, when the next player out wins nothing.
How should a short stack play on the bubble?
Section titled “How should a short stack play on the bubble?”Shove good hands before the stack gets too short, but avoid gambling when other players are even shorter.
Why should big stacks attack on the bubble?
Section titled “Why should big stacks attack on the bubble?”Medium stacks fold often because losing would cost them the min-cash.
What is hand-for-hand play?
Section titled “What is hand-for-hand play?”Each table plays one hand at a time near the bubble so nobody can stall.