What “Stack Size” Means
Your stack is how many chips you have in front of you.
In online poker, stack depth is usually measured in big blinds (BB), not dollars.
Example:
- blinds are $0.50/$1
- you have $100
- your stack is 100 big blinds (100BB)
Big blind measurement makes it easy to compare across stakes.
If you want the full foundation first, start with Online Poker Guide: Rules, Strategy & Tips. This article explains stack sizes in simple terms and shows you how to adjust your strategy when stacks are short, medium, or deep.
Why Stack Size Changes Strategy
Stack size affects everything because it changes:
- SPR (stack-to-pot ratio): how much is left behind compared to the pot
- your ability to apply pressure
- your ability to win a big pot when you hit
You don’t need to memorize SPR formulas, but you should understand the idea:
- Short stacks = fewer streets, more “commitment”
- Deep stacks = more streets, more maneuvering, more mistakes possible
Three Common Stack Depth Categories
Short-Stacked (Under ~40BB)
These games are more “direct.” Many decisions become:
- shove / fold
- raise / call
- less postflop creativity
Medium (Around 40–100BB)
This is the most common online cash game depth. You can play normal poker with multiple streets.
Deep-Stacked (100BB+)
This is where poker gets more complex. Small mistakes become expensive, but skilled players can win bigger pots.
How Short Stacks Change Your Hand Values
Short stacks make “big-card” hands stronger because:
- top pair often becomes a stack-off hand
- there isn’t enough money behind for fancy postflop play
Hands that go up in value short-stacked:
- big pairs (AA–TT)
- strong broadways (AK, AQ, KQ)
- hands that make top pair strong kicker
Hands that go down in value short-stacked:
- small suited connectors
- small pocket pairs (set mining becomes less profitable)
- speculative hands that need implied odds
Why? Because you don’t win enough when you hit to justify the call.
Short Stack Mistakes To Avoid
- calling to “set mine” with small pairs when stacks are shallow
- chasing draws without implied odds
- bluffing too much (fold equity is lower when people are committed)
- making tiny bets that don’t change decisions
Beginner short-stack guideline:
- play tighter
- value bet harder
- avoid marginal calls
How Deep Stacks Change Your Hand Values
Deep stacks increase the value of hands that can make strong, hidden hands.
Hands that go up in value deep-stacked:
- suited connectors
- suited aces
- small pocket pairs (set mining)
- hands that can make nut draws
Why? Because implied odds are higher. When you hit big, you can win a big pot.
But deep stacks also punish you for:
- building big pots with one pair too early
- stacking off too lightly against tight ranges
Deep Stack Mistakes To Avoid
- treating top pair like the nuts
- overplaying one pair on wet boards
- failing to respect big turn/river aggression
- bluffing without a plan across streets
- calling large bets without clear equity or blockers
Deep poker rewards patience and discipline.
Stack Size And Bluffing: Pressure Is Different
Your bluffs work differently depending on stacks.
Short-Stack Bluffing
Short stacks reduce bluff leverage because:
- opponents feel pot-committed
- there’s less room for multi-street pressure
That means:
- semi-bluffs (with equity) are better than pure bluffs
- large bluffs are often unnecessary and expensive
Deep-Stack Bluffing
Deep stacks increase bluff leverage because you can:
- apply pressure across multiple streets
- represent strong ranges credibly
- punish capped ranges
But only if:
- your story makes sense
- you choose the right opponent
- you have a plan for turns and rivers
Stack Size And Draws: Implied Odds vs Price
This is one of the biggest reasons stack sizes matter.
If you’re deep:
- calling with a draw can be profitable because you win big when you hit
If you’re shallow:
- you might hit, but you won’t win enough extra to justify the call
This is why “calling because pot odds look close” can still be wrong if implied odds are low.
If you want the draw discipline refresher, revisit How To Play Draws Correctly (Open-Ended, Flush, Gutshot).
A Simple Adjustment Rule You Can Use Immediately
Before you commit chips, ask:
- Am I short, medium, or deep?
- If I hit, can I win a lot more?
- If I miss, can I get away cheaply?
- If I get raised, am I forced to continue?
This one habit prevents many expensive mistakes.
Quick Takeaways
- Stack size changes hand value, bluff leverage, and draw profitability
- Measure stacks in big blinds (BB) to compare easily
- Short stacks favor big-card value and reduce implied odds
- Deep stacks reward speculative hands but punish overplaying one pair
- Bluffing works differently: shallow = less leverage, deep = more leverage
- Always consider how much is behind before choosing a line
Mini FAQ
What’s A “Normal” Stack Size Online?
Many cash games play around 100BB. Tournaments vary constantly as blinds rise.
Should I Always Buy In For The Max?
In many cash games, buying in deeper gives you more upside if you have an edge, but it also increases variance. Beginners often do better playing standard stacks while learning.
Why Do I Lose More Deep-Stacked?
Because mistakes cost more and later-street decisions are harder. Deep stacks reward patience and strong hand selection.
Where To Go Next
You’ve now learned why stack size changes everything—and why the same hand can play completely differently depending on how deep you are.
If you want to reinforce this, the best next move is to learn how to play short-stack vs deep-stack directly, with practical adjustments you can apply immediately in both cash games and tournaments.
Continue with How To Play Short-Stack Vs Deep-Stack Poker.
