Stack
The total number of chips a player has at the table. Stack size significantly influences strategy: deep-stacked play (100+ big blinds) allows for more post-flop maneuvering, while short-stacked play (under 30 big blinds) often leads to preflop all-in decisions. Effective stack size is the smaller of two players' stacks in a heads-up confrontation.
Example
You sit down with 100 big blinds ($200 at a $1/$2 table). After doubling up, your stack is 200 big blinds — now the deepest at the table.
Where this matters
Move from definition to decision.
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Related Terms
See Also
- ICM (Independent Chip Model)- A mathematical model used to assign a real money value to tournament chip stacks based on the prize ...
- Bankroll Management- The practice of managing your poker funds to minimize the risk of going broke during natural varianc...