Bubble frustrations

[PokerBarney]

I've been playing on Paradises $10 freezeouts, and after some initial success, am now struggling to pass the bubble. Today I finished 25th of 195 after being 2nd in chips from about 40 players. I'm beginning to seriously dislike the way these tournies are run though. Registration is open for a couple of hours before the game starts, but then stays open for the first blind level (10 minutes). Usually 80-100 players or so at the start of the game, but that can rise to 160-190 after the first level. So, whereas at the start the payout was 20/100 (20%), it is now almost half that at 20/~180 (11%). Finishing in the money is much harder, and it's always difficult to guage just how many people are going to join in that first blind level. Another reason might be that I get blind scared around the bubble. It's become a bit of an issue recently, so I'm more aware of it than ever. I try to tighten up around the bubble (despite lots of advice to the contrary), but perhaps I tighten up too much? On top of that I have to face a bit of bad luck every now and then. Today was a classic example - around 50 players left I utterly destroyed the big bully on our table (muhahah!) in two hands to put me 2nd. From then on, I was card dead... until we're down to about 30 players, I have an average 10K left and look down to see AQs. One caller so I raise, and he completes. Cards come down Q high with all rags. A bit of betting and he turns over quad 5s.... Shortly after I catch another big bully (and an absolute chump) in the act with my JJ. His 76off gets a straight and I'm done. BTW, he absolutely refuses to admit he's been lucky (including his AA vs QQ vs K,10 earlier.. K,10 hit two pair, and his Q arrives on the river) and is adamant that he played the hand well. Anyway.. I think the short starting stacks and the bad payout levels are doing me in. I played four tourneys yesterday and final tabled 3 of them.. so why are these Paradise ones so bad? Anyone else have bubble trouble?

[the croc]

Re: Bubble frustrations seems to me your setting your sights on getting to the money.when i play a mtt my target is to win it,therefore i dont start worrying as i reach the bubble i just play my cards on merit.sure u will get bad beats along the way,but be patient ,and when you have a hand play it strong.......works for me