Poker Definition: Short Stacked
The term ’short stack’ in poker refers to when a player has in their control an amount of chips that is significantly less than the average stack in the tournament. Most authorities define ’short stacked’ as having an amount that is equal to or less than ten times the value of the big blind, though probably even up to fifteen times the big blind would be considered the danger zone.
Short stacks in poker are often the target of specific abuse, in that players know they can be aggressive against that player without the fear of going broke. When a player is the short stack at the table everyone at the table then know that person can’t, in effect, take them out of the game. Certain players, depending on the value of the blinds in relationship to how much the short stack holds, will often be more willing to gamble against the short stack’s aggressive moves, as he is often only risking a small percentage of his chips in order to knock an opponent out of the game.
Often short stack poker players will play tight and try to ‘pick their spot,’ which entails waiting for a good enough hand with the right amount invested that they are willing to try to double up or be removed from the game.
