Tournament concept

Short Stack — Tournament Poker Concept Explained

Here's a clear definition with real-hand context, plus how it connects to the rest of your strategy.

Quick answer

Short Stack — Having significantly fewer chips than the table average.

In more detail

Below 25 BB you should be deploying push/fold ranges; below 10 BB it’s critical.

Try the tool
Push/fold chart

Common questions

What does Short Stack mean in poker?

Below 25 BB you should be deploying push/fold ranges; below 10 BB it’s critical.

What's the fastest way to calculate Short Stack at the table?

Use our Push/fold chart — it runs entirely in your browser, free, no signup.

Related terms

Double Up
Winning an all-in to double your chip stack.
Freeroll
A tournament with no entry fee but real prizes.
ICM
Converts tournament chip stacks to real-dollar equity.
MTT
A tournament played across many tables, players consolidating until one is left.

New to poker? Start with our preflop strategy guide and the free TAG cheatsheet.