Playing Against Short Stacks on the Bubble

babyrosejr

babyrosejr

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The bubble stage in tournaments creates one of the most fascinating dynamics. When short stacks are trying to ladder up, big and medium stacks can apply enormous pressure.

I’ve noticed that many players either:

1. Over-adjust by folding too tight because they fear busting before the money.


2. Or under-adjust, ignoring ICM, and get trapped by short stacks who shove correctly.



Personally, I try to widen my opening ranges on the bubble, especially when I cover opponents. But at the same time, I’m cautious with hands that don’t perform well against a short stack shove (like weak suited aces).

How do you usually approach short stacks near the bubble? Do you play maximum pressure style, or do you slow down to avoid giving them an easy double-up?
 
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rsparente

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Maximum pressure if they have less than 12BBs
 
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wushibala

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I can’t even imagine someone trying to put pressure on me when I have 12bb. On the contrary, in that situation players usually play push or fold.
 
Rldetheflop

Rldetheflop

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It's the medium stacks you want to apply pressure towards.
 
sandy358

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It's the medium stacks you want to apply pressure towards.
Technically you can apply pressure on short stacks if they are far too nitty, especially if you are a midstack. As a big stack you still don't want to attack shorties that much either way, as shortstacks' presence means that ICM-wise midstacks will be nittier and there is much more money there.
 
antonis32123

antonis32123

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If it's very short stacked and I have big or decent stack , calling for a flip is no problem . I can be carried away very easily , and see after 2-3 me being now in bad position
 
schtiuky

schtiuky

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1. Over-adjust by folding too tight because they fear busting before the money. - the best thing for this strategy is that is working the worst thing is that you will get out of the bauble with a very low stack. And you will be exploited by the big stacks holders.
 
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bowserdon

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Maximum pressure pick up their chips,not nice but its agame
 
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