A “Short Stack” refers to a player who has significantly fewer chips than the average or typical stack size at the table. This is often quantified in terms of big blinds (BBs), with a stack of 20 BBs or less generally considered short, though this can vary depending on the game type and context. Being a short stack heavily influences a player’s strategy, often forcing them into all-in or fold decisions rather than playing complex post-flop streets.
Example
Imagine a No-Limit Hold’em tournament where the blinds are 200/400. The average stack at the table is around 25,000 chips (62.5 BBs). Player A, however, only has 6,000 chips (15 BBs). Player A is considered a short stack. If it folds to Player A in the cutoff and they pick up A-K suited, their most likely move would be to push all-in, rather than making a standard raise, because they don’t have enough chips to comfortably play multiple streets after the flop.
Strategy Tip
When playing as a short stack, your primary focus should be on pre-flop play. You’ll often be looking for opportune moments to either fold or move all-in (shove) with your entire stack. This strategy is essential because you typically don’t have enough chips to play multiple post-flop streets effectively, making small raises or calls less efficient. Prioritize hands that have good equity and also offer decent “fold equity” – meaning your opponents are likely to fold when you shove, allowing you to pick up the pot uncontested. Avoid getting involved in small pots that don’t commit a significant portion of your stack, as this can slowly drain your chips without giving you a chance to double up.
FAQ
- Q: What is generally considered a “short stack” in terms of big blinds?
- A: While it can vary, a stack of 20 big blinds (BBs) or less is widely considered a short stack. In critical tournament situations, a stack of 10-15 BBs is often seen as extremely short and dictates a very aggressive all-in or fold strategy.
- Q: Is it always bad to be a short stack?
- A: Not necessarily. While it limits your tactical options and reduces your ability to win big pots post-flop, it simplifies decision-making and can make a player less predictable. Skilled short stack players can be very effective, especially in tournaments where they can pick up blinds and antes or double up quickly, albeit with higher variance.
- Q: How does being a short stack affect my hand selection?
- A: As a short stack, you’ll generally play a tighter range of hands for value, but you’ll be looking to shove a wider range of hands, especially from late position or when facing raises from loose opponents. You prioritize hands that perform well pre-flop (e.g., pocket pairs, strong aces, suited connectors with high card appeal) and hands that have good fold equity. Speculative hands that require deep stacks to develop are usually avoided.