Understanding Short Stack Play
A short stack in poker typically refers to having 20 big blinds or less. At this stack depth, traditional poker strategy breaks down - you can't play postflop poker effectively because any bet commits too much of your stack.
The solution is push/fold strategy: you either go all-in or fold. This simplifies decisions and maximizes fold equity while you still have enough chips to threaten opponents.
Stack Depth Zones
| Stack Size | Estratégia | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 BB | Push/fold with some opens | Can occasionally min-raise strong hands |
| 10-15 BB | Pure push/fold | All-in or fold, no other plays |
| 6-10 BB | Desperate push/fold | Widen ranges, need to take risks |
| 1-5 BB | Any two cards often | Almost no fold equity, gambling mode |
Never open-raise with a short stack if calling a 3-bet would commit more than 1/3 of your remaining chips. Either shove or fold - don't raise/fold and waste chips.
First-In Shoving Ranges
When folded to you, these are approximate shoving ranges by position:
10 Big Blinds:
- UTG: 22+, A8s+, ATo+, KTs+, KQo
- CO: 22+, A2s+, A7o+, K8s+, KTo+, Q9s+, QJo, JTs, T9s
- BTN: 22+, A2+, K2s+, K7o+, Q5s+, Q9o+, J7s+, JTo, T7s+, 97s+, 86s+, 76s
- SB: 22+, A2+, K2+, Q2s+, Q7o+, J4s+, J8o+, T6s+, T9o, 96s+, 85s+, 75s+, 64s+
Calling All-In Ranges
When facing a shove, your calling range depends on:
- Pot odds: What percentage of the pot you need to call
- Opponent's range: Tight players shove tighter ranges
- Your hand strength: How well you do against their range
- ICM considerations: Tournament equity matters
Generally, call with the top portion of your opening range plus strong hands that dominated opponent's shoving range.
Position is Paramount
Late position is even more valuable when short stacked:
- Button: Can shove very wide; best position for steals
- Cutoff: Second-best stealing position
- Small Blind: Great steal opportunity against one player
- Big Blind: Defense is critical; don't let blinds go easily
Tournament vs Cash Game
Short stack strategy differs between formats:
Tournaments:
- ICM affects decisions - survival has value
- Can't reload - must manage stack carefully
- Pay jumps affect calling ranges
- Bubble dynamics create opportunities
Cash Games:
- Pure chip EV decisions
- Can reload immediately after bust
- Some players buy in short intentionally
- Less fold equity vs deep stacks
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Waiting too long: Don't blind down below 10BB hoping for premium hands
- Limping: Never limp with a short stack - all-in or fold
- Min-raising: Usually wrong below 15BB
- Calling shoves too light: You need strong hands to call
- Ignoring position: Position affects ranges dramatically
Maximizing Fold Equity
Fold equity is your most valuable weapon when short:
- Shove before your stack gets too small to threaten opponents
- Target players who fold too much
- Attack the blinds of tight players
- Avoid shoving into players who call too wide