Short stack vs full stack strategy in cash games

[LiviuRo123]

When playing cash games, how do you decide whether to buy in short or with a full stack? I usually buy in full but wonder if short-stacking has advantages.

 

[fundiver199]

In theory there are some advantages like being able to leverage larger stacks against each other in multiway pots. The game is also more simple, the shorter your stack and you limit, how much you can lose at a time. So if you struggle with things like how to play 3-bet pots or handle postflop raises, then you can avoid some tough spots and potentially costly mistakes by buying in short.

The flip side of that is, you also make the game easier for your opponents, and you limit, how much you can win from an opponent in a single pot. So if you are a winning player in your game, you kind of handcuff yourself and limit your potential winrate by buying in short. You also force yourself to either play with widely different stacks or constantly find new tables, every time you have dubbled up.

10-15 years ago short-stacking (10-20BB) and cap-stacking (40BB) was quite common in online cash games. But these days most sites have raised the minimum buyin to 40-50BB, which has completely removed short-stacking as a strategy. You still see a few regs cap-stacking, but in my opinion they are typically kind of bad regs, and its not something, I recommend.

 

[Lux12]

Full-Stack Buy-In ever my friend​

Advantages:

• Maximum leverage: You can win the biggest pots possible when you have a strong hand.
• Flexibility: More room for post-flop play, bluffs, semi-bluffs, and advanced strategies.
• Skill edge: If you’re confident in your post-flop skills, a deeper stack lets you exploit weaker players more effectively.

 

[arthur08]

When you buy a short stack like 20bb then you easily go all in with hands like AQ AJ KQ KTs 88 99 and when you buy 100bb then you have to play very carefully, even when you raise a hand like AK you do not go all in because your stack is big and if you get betted then you will lose 100bb and in a 20bb stack it does not make much difference to you because it is a short stack.

 

[Station_Master]

When you buy a short stack like 20bb then you easily go all in with hands like AQ AJ KQ KTs 88 99 and when you buy 100bb then you have to play very carefully, even when you raise a hand like AK you do not go all in because your stack is big and if you get betted then you will lose 100bb and in a 20bb stack it does not make much difference to you because it is a short stack.

Yes but very few sites let you buy in for 20bb. A 20bb buy in can be an advantage. The more typical 40bb buy in not really. Better just to get good at 100bb poker

 

[miroq]

The advantage is that by playing tight, you can quickly multiply your stack at the expense of big stacks, who tend to play looser. Another advantage is that if you hit a cooler, you won't lose too much of your bankroll.

 

[dreamer13]

It's important to be aggressive when playing short-stacked. Betting and raising will help force opponents to fold, which is crucial for success.Bluffs should be used with caution as they can cost a significant portion of your stack and increase the risk.Since your stack is limited, managing it is especially important. Play carefully and avoid risky situations that could result in losing your entire stack.

 

[Noobgila]

Short stack (like 20-40 big blinds) feels way simpler, mostly shove or fold, less scary post-flop spots. Good for learning without huge risks.

Full/deep stack (100bb+) lets you bluff more, play fancy post-flop, win bigger pots… but wow, the mistakes hurt more when you’re new.

Right now I’m leaning toward starting shorter when I can. It’s like training wheels I win some pots, lose less overall, build confidence. Once I stop blowing up every session, I’ll try deeper stacks.

A lot of new players (me included) jump straight to full and regret it. Short today doesn’t mean short forever it’s just helping me get better without going broke. Slow and steady wins here.

 

[hardongear]

I always buy-in for full and have top checked so always have a full stack.

Buying in short has the advantage of making it a bit easier to play preflop and post-flop. A lot of guys just play the same as they would short stacked in an MTT. If anyone at your table realizes this and adjusts their play short stacks are easy money.....at micro-low stakes very few guys realize this, adjust or even know how to adjust to a more MTT style against the short stacks.

Cheers!!!

 

[TeUnit]

You should be game selecting, and if you are game selecting you should pick games where you have an edge, and if you have an edge you should buyin for the max.