Jargon Descrambler: "The Bubble"

A couple of people have pointed out that I tend to use a lot of jargon for a beginner. Sorry about that. To help out I'm going to make some posts explaining various bits of jargon. Hopefully these will over time build up into a sort of poker glossary. Today I'm starting with something I know only too well: the Bubble.

What Is The Bubble?

The term "bubble" is one that occurs in knock-out tournament play. In most tournament's there's a certain finishing position you must reach before you win money (or points). For example in a tournament with 200 players starting you might have to finish 20th or above to win a prize.

The highest position in which you receive nothing is called the "bubble" - in the example above it would be 21st.

Strictly speaking the bubble refers to just this one position, I tend to use it for the whole cluster of positions just below the money.

Why is the bubble important? Because nobody wants to go out just on the bubble. Nobody wants to just miss the money. Better to have gone out early rather than spend all that much time playing and still get nothing.

As people get knocked out and the tournament approaches the bubble many of those remaining tend to play much tighter. They play less hands, risk less chips and try to hang on by their fingertips for a chance at the money.

Then, eventually, someone goes out in bubble position. Now all those remaining are guaranteed to win at least something. There is a collective sigh (or cheer!) of relief as the bubble "bursts" and play often starts to loosen up again.

Labels: glossary, poker