While adhering to charts will get you most of the way there in your 3-bet and 4-bet shoving ranges, it’s really hard to codify every single situation you can possibly face. Short stacking offers an inexpensive way to learn in a much easier to navigate low SPR (stack to pot ratio) environment. In fact, most players would benefit from learning how to short stack before they even tried playing a deeper stack. Follow a solid “vacuum” strategy and then adjust based on the dynamicĪdhering to these guidelines can quickly turn a losing player into a winner.Capitalize on weak opponents who do not know how to adjust to short stacks.Almost never call pre-flop, either raise or fold and avoid trying to set mine or nut camp.Play loose-aggressive and do not tighten up your open raising range.Almost always open raise for the 2 times the big blind.Memorize profitable 3-bet and 4-bet shoving ranges.This article will cover the basics of what I have learned. After basically figuring it out on my own, I ended up writing a book on the subject in 2013. There was literally no good information available out there. I remember back in 2010 when I first tried short stacking. When it comes to learning how to play short stack poker in cash games it can be difficult to know where to begin.
