The bubble phase in Sit & Go (SNG) tournaments — when only one player needs to be eliminated before everyone makes the money — is one of the most crucial points in the game. It’s also one of the most profitable for players who know how to apply the right kind of pressure. While many opponents tighten up in fear of busting, skilled players can exploit that fear with targeted bubble aggression to build a dominant stack. This guide shows you when, how, and why to be aggressive on the bubble — and how to avoid overdoing it.
Understand What the Bubble Really Means
In most standard 9-player SNGs with a 50/30/20 payout structure, the Master Poker Vietnam top three places are paid. That means when four players are left, you’re on the bubble. At this stage, chips don’t equal cash value directly — ICM (Independent Chip Model) dictates that every chip lost is more costly than every chip gained.
This creates a perfect environment to exploit players who are more focused on surviving than winning.
Identify Who You Can Pressure
Not all opponents are created equal on the bubble. Some will fold almost everything to avoid elimination — others will fight back with weak stacks. To apply effective bubble aggression, first identify:
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Medium stacks who are trying to coast into the money
These players are often the best targets because they don’t want to risk losing to either short stacks or big stacks. -
Players tightening up under ICM pressure
Look for those folding their big blind to small raises or not defending when they usually would.
Avoid over-bluffing short stacks who are priced in or desperate — they are more likely to call with wider ranges.
Steal Blinds Relentlessly in Position
Stealing blinds becomes highly profitable on the bubble, especially when your opponents are folding too often. Open-raising from the cutoff or button should become a core part of your bubble game. If the players behind you are:
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Folding more than 70–80% of the time
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Risking ICM damage with every call
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Not adjusting their ranges
…then raise wide with any playable hand and pressure them into mistakes.
Use Fold Equity with Re-Steals
If someone opens too often in late position, and you’re in the small or big blind with a 12–20 BB stack, consider re-shoving. They likely have a wide opening range and are trying to steal. Your re-shove:
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Forces folds and adds to your stack
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Puts the pressure back on them
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Is hard to call without a premium hand under ICM pressure
Timing is everything — be sure your stack is threatening enough to create real fold equity.
Avoid Colliding with the Other Big Stack
While aggression is key, the biggest mistake players make is picking a fight with the only player who can knock them out. If you’re a big stack, apply pressure to short and medium stacks — not the one player who can bust you.
Bubble aggression works best downhill — pressuring smaller stacks, not engaging in risky battles against opponents who can eliminate you.
Pay Attention to Stack Sizes and Payout Structure
Always factor in:
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How close you are to the money
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The difference between 3rd and 1st place payouts
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Stack distributions at the table
ICM awareness helps you target the right opponents with the right level of pressure — whether it’s min-raising light, re-shoving, or folding when necessary.