Poker is an exciting game that has captured the hearts of people worldwide. There are many formats and disciplines, bottomless depth, and simple rules. One of the classic ways to play is in multi-table tournaments because the payouts at the final tables can be huge or even life-changing.
Everyone looks to rank high enough to collect winnings. If a player makes it into this zone, their efforts are rewarded.
However, most players leave each tournament with nothing. Today, we will explain what is bubble boy in poker is, how to avoid this poker tragedy, and how to cash in MTTs more regularly.
Stages of a Multi-Table Tournament (MTT)
The tournament format is interesting because of the large possible winnings and the changing dynamics of the game. Each MTT consists of different stages, meaning you must change your tactics as the situation changes significantly. The stages can be divided as follows:
- Early: Players have many chips, and the blinds are small. Creative plays are common since losing 20 or 30 BBs is not critical.
- Middle: Blinds grow and stacks get shorter. This forces a change in strategy, making the game more careful. A loss of 20-30 BB can be a critical loss.
- Bubble: This is when there are only a few eliminations left before the prize zone. The period of synchronous distributions begins, meaning a new drawing starts only after all other tables have finished.
- Late: The price of a mistake increases several times. Players have guaranteed a place in the prize zone, but everyone wants to achieve more. All the big money is played at the final table.
- Final Table: The most important and crucial stage, as the payouts increase significantly with each place. The winner gets 30-50% more than second place.
What Is a Bubble in a Tournament?
For TV commentators and short-stack players, the bubble is the most boring part of the tournament. There needs to be more action, but everyone wants to make the money and is usually cautious.
At this time, hands are dealt one at a time on all tables, known as “hand for hand.” When all tables finish the current hand, a new one begins. In this way, no table sees more hands than any other. Some players can deliberately drag out time, waiting for others to be eliminated. With hand-for-hand play, this is pointless, and online poker rooms also use this rule.
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Bubble Boy: The Player One Off the Money
The bubble boy in poker is the player whose elimination marks the start of the prize zone. This is the most tragic place to be knocked out the tournament, so near to being in the money (ITM).
Players with short stacks act very carefully when there are one or more eliminations left before the money. Especially those with very few chips – even with a good hand, doubling up with three big blinds makes little sense at this point. It is much more important and profitable to reach the money and not become the bubble boy.
Some organizers try to compensate for the pain felt by the bubble boy. For example, in the WSOP Main Event, this player usually gets a free ticket to next year's tournament. On GGPoker, there is an "Early Bird" promotion: if you register before the tournament starts, you get insurance against elimination on the direct bubble. If you take this place, you get the buy-in cost back to your account.
Tips for Playing on the Bubble
The strategy for playing on the bubble should be based on the following factors:
- Stack Size: The more chips you have, the more active you need to be. Medium and short stacks will often give up without resistance.
- Opponents at the Table: Watch your opponents and adjust to them. You can open wide against tight players but act more carefully against aggressive ones.
- Tournament Cost: In expensive tournaments, there are many good players who will try to put maximum pressure on you on the bubble*. If playing for serious money, try not to get involved with them to avoid mistakes and going on tilt.
We remind you that you will find many other useful articles here. Find out about the best ways to make money in poker or study combinations. If interested in auxiliary software, pay attention to our store's range, where you will find popular programs like Holdem Manager 3 or StarsCaption.
Practice Bubble Strategy in Free Tournaments
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