Push/Fold
Short-stack strategy: all-in or fold only
Definition
Push/fold is the optimal strategy when your stack is short, generally between 0 and 15–20 big blinds. With so few chips, limping and calling are no longer mathematically justified: the only correct decision is either to push all-in, or to fold directly. Nash push/fold charts indicate exactly which hands to push based on your stack (in bb), your position (BTN, SB, etc.) and the number of active players. These charts are computed to be mathematically unexploitable — deviating from these ranges creates EV leaks that competent opponents can exploit. In Spin & Go and the late stages of MTTs, mastering push/fold charts is crucial. Blinds rise fast and most important decisions happen under time pressure. Memorizing your push/fold charts and playing them automatically is a major competitive edge.
At 10bb on the BTN heads-up, your push range is about 60% according to Nash. At 15bb 3-handed on the BTN, it tightens to ~25%: two opponents remain behind, one of whom may cover you. The shorter the stack, the wider the range — at 5bb heads-up, the SB already shoves ~70% of hands, because the blinds eat the stack too fast to wait.
Frequently asked questions
At what stack should you play push/fold?
Generally under ~15-20bb, and almost systematically under ~10bb: limping or calling becomes mathematically dominated, so the best decision is push all-in or fold. The exact threshold depends on the format and number of players.
Do push/fold ranges change by position?
Yes: the more players left to act behind you, the tighter your push range. On the button heads-up you push very wide (~50-60% at 10bb); in early position with several players behind you push much tighter.