playing my cards vs. playing safe

When it gets close to the cut to where prize money will be paid, is it usually better to play it safe? I have difficulty deciding when I just have a few blinds left how to play my cards, and sometimes it seems I play too safe by folding all my hands to try to make the money and miss some nice pots that my cards would have won. But other times, if I play starting hands I usually like to play, I end up on the bubble, and no money. What do you suggest?

Im kinda the same as you, I like to cash, to shpow something for my time/effort in the mtt so far, so I used to play it safe, but now I think, nah, if i get a good hand Id rather go for it and sod it if I dont cash, least I went out with a good hand, rather than folding everything.

Bubble play usually goes one of two ways. One, people are just happy cashing as it sounds in your post you might be one of those people; there is nothing wrong with that but it is exploitable. Two, playing to win. people who are playing to win tend to bust out more often but when they cash they cash higher. They can do this by really pressuring the people who tighten up and want to cruise into the money. Playing to win however doesnt' mean being reckless but it can be volitile.

Sounds like you need to figure out which makes you more happy. And the doesn't mean that just cashing is wrong or that you can't win doing it.

The one problem with being shortstacked & trying to just squeeze into the money is that you'll generally be at the bottom of the payouts if you make it. Personally, after playing 4+ hours in a MTT I'd generally rather bust out having got my chips in witht the best hand for no cash than get the minimum payout (which generally isn't much more than your buy-in was) for folding every hand til the bubble bursts. Keep in mind though that I generally play low buy-in MTT's as my BR can't support higher buy-in tourneys right now. Way I see it, if I'm playing in say a $1 MTT and the minimum payouts are around $1.50, I'd rather take the chance to cash higher than to have $.50 (- tourney fee) to show for several hours work. But that's just me.

I took the advice someone once gave me. If you are trying to build a bankroll at the micro's like me try and cash until you can afford it. Once your bankroll can with stand some variance play for the win. Also depends on what your personal goals are.

When I get close to the bubble I say I am going to play it safe in order to cash but usually get something that looks really good only to get put all in and busted. Like KD said I am at the point I would rather go out on a good hand knowing I played it the way I should.

I agree that close to the bubble players tighten up so much it's exploitable, if you have the chips to exploit them.

Most of the time the raisers have nothing, they just know you will fold.

What is your idea of tightening up close to the bubble?