5 min

Short Stack Push-Fold Basics

A practical framework for tournament decisions below 15 big blinds.

Why Stack Depth Drives Everything

Below 15 big blinds, the value of preserving fold equity often matters more than seeing flops. The best hands become direct shoves, marginal suited hands rise in value from late position, and weak offsuit hands lose playability.

How To Use This MVP

Treat each recommendation as a structured heuristic. It is not a true equilibrium output, but it gives a consistent first pass based on hand class, position, stack, stage, antes, and prior action.

Practice spots

Apply the guide

FAQ

Tournament spot questions

Should I memorize exact ranges?

Exact ranges help, but pattern recognition by stack depth, position, and ICM pressure is usually more useful for live decisions.

How should I study generated spots?

Review similar positions and stack depths together, then compare the recommendation shifts when prior action or tournament stage changes.