Pay jumps and laddering in tournaments

A pay jump is the difference in prize money between finishing in one place and the next. Laddering means moving up the pay table by surviving while others bust — often by folding hands you’d normally play.

Why pay jumps matter

Prizes rise steeply near the top. For example, at a final table, 9th might pay 1.5 buy-ins and 1st 20+ buy-ins. Each bust-out in front of you can add real money. See tournament payouts.

When laddering makes sense

You’re short or medium and other players are much shorter — they’re likely to bust before you.
The next pay jump is large compared with your stack’s chip value. See ICM.
The spot is marginal anyway (a close call or close shove).

When it doesn’t

You’re the shortest stack: waiting just blinds you out. See push/fold.
You have a big stack: use it to pressure others who are trying to ladder. See big stack strategy.
The pay jumps are small (early in the money).

Satellites: the extreme case

In satellites where every seat pays the same, laddering is everything: once you’re sure of a seat, you may fold even aces. See satellite strategy.

Common mistakes

Folding everything as a short stack until you’re too short to have fold equity.
Ignoring pay jumps and calling off with marginal hands at a final table.
Big stacks not attacking players who are clearly laddering.

See also final table and after the bubble.

FAQ

What is a pay jump in poker?

The extra prize money for finishing one place higher.

What does laddering mean in tournaments?

Moving up the pay table by surviving while other players bust, often by folding marginal hands.

When should I ladder?

When other players are much shorter, the next pay jump is large and your spot is marginal anyway.

Should the shortest stack ladder?

Usually not; waiting only blinds you out and kills your fold equity.