๐ Game Nature by Stack
| Stack | Game Nature | Primary Strategy | Key Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~20BB Ultra-Short | Push/fold only | Mathematically optimal push | Push range charts |
| 20-40BB Short | Preflop-heavy | 3-bet/fold focused | FE (Fold Equity) |
| 40-100BB Medium | Balanced | Both preflop and postflop | SPR, C-bet, 3-bet |
| 100-200BB Deep | Postflop-heavy | Speculative hands gain value | SPR, Implied Odds |
| 200BB+ Ultra-Deep | Postflop dominated | Sets/straights/flushes targeted | Deep SPR strategy |
๐ SPR (Stack-to-Pot Ratio)
SPR Formula and Meaning
SPR = Remaining Stack after Flop รท Pot Size on the Flop
Lower SPR = easier to commit. Higher SPR = more complex postflop play required.
| SPR | Commitment Threshold | Example |
|---|---|---|
| < 1 | All-in with top pair is fine | After a large preflop raise |
| 1-3 | Commit with top pair + good kicker | After standard raise with 20BB stack |
| 3-6 | Commit with two pair or better | Standard 50BB stack spot |
| 6-13 | Set or better ideal | Standard 100BB game |
| 13+ | Straight/flush or better ideal | 200BB+ deep |
๐ Short Stack Strategy (20-50BB)
- 3-bet/fold strategy: Reduce call range โ increase 3-bet or fold decisions
- All-in 3-bets: Under 30BB, all-in 3-bets are often better than standard 3-bets
- Reduce cold calls: Cold call EV decreases with a short stack
- Use fold equity: Around 25BB, FE is still significant โ use it aggressively
- Low SPR = simple: Top pair on the flop usually means commit
- Set mining EV drops: Short stack means less profit even when you hit a set
- Draws = all-in candidate: Strong draw + low SPR โ all-in semi-bluff is effective
- No slow-playing: Delays cost money with shallow stacks โ go all-out immediately
- vs Short Stackers: Optimize call range mathematically. Equity-based decisions
- ISO raise sizing: All-in ISO can be correct against short stackers
- Watch for limp-traps: Short stack limping may be a push-trap
๐ Deep Stack Strategy (100BB+)
- Speculative hands gain value: Suited connectors and small pairs see massive EV increases
- Set mining is viable: 100BB+ means even 22 is playable. Implied odds are large
- 3-bet pots get complex: Deep 3-bet pots have SPR of ~4-8. Postflop skill required
- Cold calls gain value: Higher implied odds increase cold call EV
- Pot control is critical: Don't inflate the pot with weak hands
- Bluff EV increases: Deep stacks mean bigger "threats" โ fold equity rises
- Nut orientation: At high SPR, target sets/flushes/straights and above
- Multi-street planning: Plan the full three streets on the flop
- vs Fish (deep): Implied odds are maximized. Even weak hands gain value for set mining
- vs Nit (deep): High fold equity. Large bluffs are effective
- Table selection: Deep games amplify skill edges โ choose weak tables
๐ Stack Considerations by Game Type
Cash Game Stack Management
- Start with max buy-in (usually 100BB) as the baseline
- Consider topping up when short (especially vs deep opponents)
- Intentional short-stack strategy has limited edge
- Calculate implied odds based on opponents' stack sizes
Tournament Stack Management
- Stack is always changing โ think in BB counts
- Under 20BB: switch to push/fold mode
- 30-50BB: 3-bet/fold strategy is central
- 70BB+: full game play is available
- Push ranges change with antes (wider with antes)