the lab man
CardsChat Irregular
Silver Level
My 1K Post…Satellite Bubble Play for Beginners
There have been a few questions on this topic lately and it’s something I enjoy playing so enjoy my 2 cents. This thread does not discuss what types of Satellites to play or how to get to the Bubble, that’s another thread altogether.
Satellite Bubble play is completely different from regular Satellite MTT Bubble play.
For the purpose of this example we are in a Satellite that awards 20 seats to a larger event and there are 25 players left in the tourney.
There are three types of groups you will find yourself in at the Bubble.
1. The Big Stack; You have already accumulated enough chips that you could turn your computer off and you know you have a qualified. Generally 10-20% of players are in this group .They are sitting between 1st -6th .It’s an easy group to play in as long as you don’t get involved with other big stacks, There nothing better for a short stack to see than 2 table sheriffs big stacks re-raising each other and then one getting knocked out. As a big stack surrounded by short stacks only, there is nothing wrong with Bullying and raising every unopened pot that is folded to you. The chip accumulation doesn’t really help you though.
2. The Median Stack; you have above the projected amount of chips needed to qualify but the blinds and antes can easily erode your chips, these are the tightest players at this point. Generally about 40% of the players are in this group .They are Sitting roughly 6th -16th. Their hope is that the players below them will blind out. This is the hardest of the groups to play.
3. The Short Stacks; these players currently sit somewhere between 16th and 25th place, another 40% in this group. These players know they will have to make a move real soon to move up the ladder. Short Stackers pray for big cards before they have to play any 2 cards.
Please remember this; it doesn’t matter if you finish 1st, 11th or 20th you’re all awarded 1st place and an entry in to the larger tourney.
Tip 1,
How to figure out how many chips it will take to get your ticket, add up the total chips from players 21 to 25 and divide by 20 (entries that will be paid) and add that on to the 20th position, Example 5 players (21-25) have 8,800 chips total left ,divide by 20 = 440 add to player # 20s stack he had 2,000 that now equals 2400. It’s a rough guide to give you an idea of chips needed to qualify. If you are below this amount you need to make a move and if you are slightly above this amount you need to amass chips otherwise the blind and antes will erode your stack.
Tip 2
If you are a Low Median or Short Stack Player, It’s Imperative that you watch the other tables, at this point, open the other two tables. This is called Clock/Blind Management; if you are a low median stack or short stack you do have to watch for players that are using their clock to stall. Depending on your stack size and assuming you know who will be blinded out before you go ahead and stall with your clock. Using you clock to stall is a double edge sword because the antes and blinds will go up higher.
When Hand for Hand play begins (normally when were down to about 22 left) there is no reason to stall. Now we playing for Blind Management and we have to calculate depending on our stack which player the blinds and antes will eat up first. We still have all our tables open remember.
The question of folding Pocket Aces comes up a lot and three days ago I was dealt pocket aces late position. A big stack before me raised which would have put me all in. everyone else folded. I was currently in 17th position but because I had the 3 other tables open I folded, even though I was the favorite, because I saw that the antes alone would eat up the 21st player next hand. They did next hand and I won my ticket.
When is the best time to push? If you are a low median or a short stack, It’s important to know who you would be pushing into. Ideally you want to be in late position and an unopened pot. Whether you’re pushing with good cards or any two cards you want to be pushing against similar median stacks or low stacks who will not be able to call you unless they have a premium hand. Satellite Bubble play is the tightest play you will ever come across.
In summary Satellite Bubble Play is not just about card selection but has to incorporate intelligent positional play, and Blind and Clock Management. I emphasize that the goal of Satellite Tournament Bubble play is Survival .
Remember this it doesn’t matter if you finish 1st,11th or 20th your all given 1st place and an entry in to the larger tourney.
See you in the Satellites