The short-stack is considered by most to be a player whose chip count is less than ten times the large blind. This is a very subjective topic by the way. Other players feel that less than eight times the big blind is considered short-stacked. Either way if your chip count is this low you are on life support and need to make a play sooner rather than later.

The biggest problem you will encounter as a short-stack is that poker strategy does not necessarily apply to your thinking. By this I mean you will not be raising or check-raising or any of the other plays reserved for players that have a substantial chip count. The fact of the matter is that you need to find a “playable” hand and get your chips in the middle. You are in push mode and need to double up ASAP. There is a heightened sense of urgency when your chip count is this low.

Having said that, players with larger stacks are aware of this and likely to call your all-in bets with less than premium hands to take advantage of their own stack as well as an opportunity to knock out a player. This should not faze you in any way shape or form. Without a call you cannot double up your stack. In many cases you will be no worse than a 3 to 2 dog. That’s not all that bad. Taking down the blinds doesn’t hurt but it won’t sustain you more than another orbit around the table. So don’t be afraid to get those chips in the middle. 

Finding a playable hand is another topic that varies from player to player in short-stacked situations. Poker tournaments are all about accumulating chips. In this scenario you do not have the luxury of waiting around for premium hands like pocket Aces or Kings. Obviously, if you pick them up then thank the poker gods and get your chips in the middle. On the other hand you have to open up your range of hands considerably in these situations. Here are a few hands that I like to move-in with when I am short-stacked:

I try to stay away from the super small pairs like pocket fours on down as it is very likely that if someone has a pair it will be larger than your own. However, if I have no choice in the matter I will push all-in with those as well. You have to make a stand and gamble at some point. 

I cannot emphasize this point enough. You need to be the first in the pot if and when it’s possible. The reason is that it allows you to put your opponents on the defensive. With ten times the large blind you still have enough chips to damage the medium stacks at the table making it less likely they will get involved without a decent hand.

Be aware of limpers in front of you. These players could easily be trapping with premium hands waiting for you to re-raise. When you see a raise in front of you and you can afford to wait for a better spot then do so. By now you should know what the players at your table are capable of and play your hand accordingly to optimize your chances of doubling up.

If you have chips you have an opportunity to win the poker tournament. I have seen countless players get down to only a few chips and a prayer only to make miraculous comebacks. I have done it and I am sure a few of you have too.

Poker can be a crazy game and one double up can literally catapult you into a rush like never before. So don’t give up one inch even when you’re short-stacked.