Tue, 01/25/2011 – 01:52 – PokerPages Staff

Surviving in a tournament when short stacked requires a different approach to the game.  Knowing a few poker rules may help you boost your chip standing.  Often, the beginner poker player will not make changes to their strategy when short stacked.  Moreover, the beginner frequently resigns himself to a loss and tilts away their remaining chips.  To survive and get back in contention necessitates a change in strategy.  

What exactly is short stacked?  The definition of short stacked ranges from 4-5 big blinds to 4-5M, where M equals the amount you would lose by sitting out for once around the table, thus M=BB+SM+sum of antes. 

When short stacked you want to play strong hands and you want to be in early position.  Hand selection should be strong, as to not be easily dominated by an opponent.  For example, suited connectors may have a better shot at the pot than a weak ace.  Also, you want to be the first in the pot.  By pushing all-in first and from early position, you are not expecting a call. 

If you are really short stacked (less than defined above), you should move all-in with a better than average showdown hand, as you are likely to be called due to the low amount of chips.  Play hands that are more likely to give you a higher winning hand at the showdown, such as trips. 

The key to playing short stacked is to not panic.  By altering your approach to the game you stand a better chance of surviving in the tournament.  Further, by simply surviving you allow for the possibility of getting a monster hand that will put you back into contention.

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