11th Place… So Close I Could Feel It

11th place out of 219 players.

Just one spot away from the final table.

At this point, I’m starting to see a pattern… deep runs, strong finishes, but always just right there, without crossing into that final stage.This $100 freeroll MTT was another intense grind. From the early levels, I stayed patient, picked my spots, and managed to build a decent stack. Nothing crazy, but enough to stay competitive as the field started thinning out.

And then came the later stages… where everything changes.

Blinds went up, pressure increased, and every decision became critical. This is where I started to feel the impact of something I didn’t fully capitalize on earlier ➾ chip accumulation.

There were moments where I had playable hands, even strong spots to potentially double up… but I simply didn’t have enough chips to make the call comfortably. Instead of applying pressure, I was the one being pressured.

And that’s how the game shifts.

In tournaments, it’s not just about surviving, it’s about building. Because once the blinds get high, a short or average stack limits your options. You’re forced into tighter decisions, and sometimes, you miss opportunities that could change everything.

Eventually, I ran into a spot where I had to make a move… and that was the end of my run.

11th place.

Close again.

But this time, I’m walking away with a very clear lesson:

If you want to go deep, you need to build your stack early.

Not recklessly, but intentionally. Take advantage of early stages where blinds are low, spots are softer, and there’s room to grow your chips without risking everything.

Because later on, chips aren’t just chips, they’re your ability to stay in control.

Despite the finish, this is still progress. Another deep run, another step closer, and another lesson added.The breakthrough is coming.