One of the most common ways that you’ll see opponents use to classify each other in poker tournaments is through stack sizes. Stack sizes tell a lot about a player especially when you get into the later stages of a tourney. Of course it’s also very important to look at your own chips as well so you know how to alter your play based on stack size.
If you happen to be one of the short stacks at your table then you’re obviously not in an ideal situation. However, you’re also in an easy situation from a playing standpoint since you only really have two options at this point: go all-in or fold. Unless you’re really short-stacked then you’ll be folding more than you go all-in, but there is no room for bets and raises. The reason being is that you’re going to get called by the bigger stacks on any bet or raise so there’s no point in trying to force action this way. However, make sure you’ve at least got a pair or drawing hand before going all-in.
As a medium stack you have more freedom to make bets and raises since your stack is much stronger. Other players know that you’re not in a desperate situation meaning you are a more dangerous player who can force others to fold. Also, you can simply call to see flops cheaply which not only allows you to hit drawing hands, but it also lets you profile opponents better as well.
The best situation to be in is when you’ve got one of the biggest stacks at the table since you don’t have to worry about busting out on one hand. Plus it alters your opponents’ play greatly since they have to constantly worry about you raising their every move. And if you keep raising them then they’re going to have to go all-in at some point which is always in the back of their mind. Seeing as how this is the case, you can frequently force a lot of the other players at the table into folding situations.
As you can see, stack size is very important in regards to how you play poker in tournament situations.
Tags: Tips
