Do you ever change your open sizes based on stack depth?

Nesehorn156 · Apr 12, 2026

Something I’ve been thinking about is whether to adjust raise sizes depending on stack depth in tournaments. When stacks are deep, slightly bigger opens feel fine, but when stacks get shorter it feels like smaller sizing makes more sense.

I’m not always consistent with it though, and sometimes I just stick to one size.

Do you actively adjust your open sizes based on stack depth, or keep it simple with one standard size?

dannystanks · Apr 12, 2026

Yeah a lot of open raise strategies are based on your big blinds, your opponent’s big blinds, your position and your opponent’s player profile.

tuitui · Apr 12, 2026

Nesehorn156 said:
Something I’ve been thinking about is whether to adjust raise sizes depending on stack depth in tournaments. When stacks are deep, slightly bigger opens feel fine, but when stacks get shorter it feels like smaller sizing makes more sense.

I do agree with this and I do some adjusting sometimes. But the problem is that I don't seem to be very consistent on it, so kind of have decided to give up on it.

burro · Apr 12, 2026

I’m still adjusting to this, but I’ve noticed it does make a difference.
With deeper stacks, it feels better to open a bit larger to avoid too many multiway pots. With shorter stacks, opening smaller seems more efficient and helps avoid committing too much unnecessarily.
I don’t have a fixed pattern yet, but I’m starting to adjust more based on stack depth.

eetenor · Apr 14, 2026

Nesehorn156 said:
Something I’ve been thinking about is whether to adjust raise sizes depending on stack depth in tournaments. When stacks are deep, slightly bigger opens feel fine, but when stacks get shorter it feels like smaller sizing makes more sense.

I’m not always consistent with it though, and sometimes I just stick to one size.

Do you actively adjust your open sizes based on stack depth, or keep it simple with one standard size?

Adjusting your open size as stacks get smaller is a standard practice that has many benefits. However, many players do not know the why of 2.5 vs 2.2 vs 2.
There are multiple factors
1 ranges--the smaller your open the more hands you can open and the wider your V can call. Often this gives you a range advantage vs your V if you are IP even with wider ranges. However, if your V do not call wider ranges the reverse occurs. In that scenario making smaller opens is not the best strategy.

2 NL-holdem strategy is about winning stacks as often as we can-- when our stack is small it is easier to get that stack all-in by the river therefore, we can open smaller and still get all-in by the river with reasonable sized bets. This also allows us to risk less to see a flop or to steal blinds.

martDdart · Apr 14, 2026

I adjust my open size depending on the table.If many call preflop I make my open size bigger to get fewer to see the flop and have a chance to hit the flop.

Igor Popadyk · Apr 14, 2026

More specifics, what big is this?,How do I pay more attention to the reaction of opponents, and already adjust the bet depending on their reaction

eetenor · Apr 23, 2026

Igor Popadyk said:
More specifics, what big is this?,How do I pay more attention to the reaction of opponents, and already adjust the bet depending on their reaction

Basic exploit strategy vs loose tables with many callers is to size up your bet large enough to get only 1 caller. Depending on the players we can open 4bb --instead of 2.5-- and greater-- even open All-in if 1 player will call.

When we raise, we do not use standard sizes as well. common sizing IP is 3x the open size and add 1 bb for players already in the pot including the BB.
2bb open 6bb +1 opener +1bb so 8bb 3 bet --
OOP we use 4x 3 bets + + + as standard

We expand our sizing from there 3 betting 5x 6x whatever gets us to 1 player calling.

BaldHead · Apr 23, 2026

yes, adjusting your raise size based on stack depth is the right approach. Using the same sizing all the time is convenient, but it’s a simplification that costs you money in the long run.

Coolcassv9. · Apr 23, 2026

I never think that way; when you have to attack, you have to be aggressive; when you lose chips, you have to recover them, but with hands that are worth playing.

Mr.$t0k · Apr 24, 2026

When I have big stack I want to raise more bigger size for win more chips, and when I have small stack I want to raise small size of bet to lose minimum chips what I have. Good luck for everyone

odonob · Apr 24, 2026

Yes, having a big stack means you can expand your range and get some easy blinds.

Oxinthewater · Apr 24, 2026

Many factors are at play, though some good theory is mentioned above.

Whatever adjustments you make, it's important to be balanced and not too transparent if you'll play the same players often, as sizings are one of the easiest things to pick up on.

moraeskvmi · Apr 24, 2026

At the start of the tournament, stacks usually increase because everyone has very high stacks.

TeUnit · Apr 24, 2026

You definitely want to change your bet sizing depending on the villans and the stack depth.

Generally the smallest sizing that accomplishes your goal is the best sizing.

nelomec · Apr 24, 2026

Nesehorn156 said:
Something I’ve been thinking about is whether to adjust raise sizes depending on stack depth in tournaments. When stacks are deep, slightly bigger opens feel fine, but when stacks get shorter it feels like smaller sizing makes more sense.

I’m not always consistent with it though, and sometimes I just stick to one size.

Do you actively adjust your open sizes based on stack depth, or keep it simple with one standard size?

In my case, it depends a lot on how the action is going in the tournament, or at the table, but I vary it according to the stage of the tournament.

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Do you ever change your open sizes based on stack depth?

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