Short Tables Poker tips: Counting Your Blinds

Short Tables
February 16 2009

In a short table situation, a player has many things to think about. Player types of their opponents, position, blind levels and stack sizes are only a few of the things that have to be considered in every hand you play at a short table. The ideal short table situation is when you have a big chip lead, and you can force the smaller stacks to protect their chips so they last longer in the tournament. But if you’re not the chip leader you have to take stock of your position.

You need to look at the other stacks at the table and figure out where you stand. If you’re the small stack you have to try and double your chips until you’re not the small stack anymore. You should know how many big blinds you have left in your stack, and how many the other players have. Comparing your stack against your opponent’s is how you determine when you have to elevate your aggression. If you’re going to be blinded out first you might as well go down swinging.

Always know how many big blinds you can afford to pay and where you stand compared to the other players. In a short table situation there’s a big difference in payout because it’s the final table, so survival is the most important thing.

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