In tournament poker, you will eventually find yourself “short-stacked” — usually with less than 15-20 Big Blinds. At this stage, standard moves like “limping” or “min-raising” become mathematically disastrous.
The only correct strategy is Push or Fold. You either move All-in to steal the blinds and maximize pressure, or you Fold. There is no middle ground.
Our Push/Fold Advisor is based on Nash Equilibrium — an “unexploitable” mathematical strategy derived from game theory. If you follow these ranges, you cannot be a losing player in the long run against optimal opponents.
🃏 Nash Push/Fold Chart
Nash EquilibriumEnter your hand and situation to get an instant push/fold recommendation.
Quick Reference: Push Ranges by Position (10 BB, No Ante)
| Position | Push Range | Hands | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTG | 55+, ATs+, AJo+, KQs | 82 | 6.2% |
| MP | 33+, A8s+, ATo+, KTs+, KQo, QJs | 126 | 9.5% |
| CO | 22+, Axs, A5o+, Kxs, K9o+, Q9s+, QTo+, JTs | 210 | 15.8% |
| BTN | 22+, Ax, Kxs, K5o+, Qxs, Q7o+, J7s+, J9o+, T7s+, T9o | 356 | 26.8% |
| SB | 22+, Ax, Kx, Qxs, Q3o+, Jxs, J7o+, T6s+, T8o+, 96s+, 98o | 498 | 37.5% |
BB Calling Ranges vs SB Shove (10 BB)
| Scenario | Calling Range | % |
|---|---|---|
| No Ante | 22+, A2s+, A7o+, K9s+, KTo+, Q9s+, QTo+, J9s+, T9s | 24.5% |
| 10% Ante | 22+, A2s+, A3o+, K7s+, K9o+, Q8s+, Q9o+, J8s+, J9o+, T8s+ | 31.2% |
Stack Size Guidelines
| Stack | Strategy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 BB | Desperation Push | Very wide, even ATC from late position |
| 6-10 BB | Standard Push/Fold | Follow Nash charts closely |
| 11-15 BB | Mixed Strategy | Can open-raise with premiums |
| 16-20 BB | Mostly Standard | Push/fold from SB/BTN only |
| 20+ BB | Standard Poker | Raise/fold, 3-bet, post-flop play |
What is Nash Equilibrium in Poker?
Nash Equilibrium is a concept from game theory where no player can improve their expected results by unilaterally changing their strategy. In poker, this means playing ranges that are mathematically “unexploitable.”
🎯 Key Property
When both players use Nash strategies, neither can gain an edge. They break even against each other in the long run, regardless of the specific cards dealt.
✅ Why It Matters
If your opponent deviates from Nash (plays too tight or too loose), you profit. Nash is your baseline that guarantees you can’t be exploited.
⚠️ Limitation
Nash is optimal against perfect opponents. Against weak players who fold too much or call too wide, exploitative adjustments can be more profitable.
Think of Nash Equilibrium as your “default” strategy. When you don’t have reads on opponents, Nash ranges ensure you’re playing correctly. When you have information, you can adjust.
Understanding Push/Fold Strategy
When your stack falls below ~15 big blinds, you lose the ability to play effectively post-flop. You don’t have enough chips to:
- Make continuation bets that put pressure on opponents
- Bluff credibly on multiple streets
- Call raises and see flops profitably
By moving all-in preflop, you accomplish two critical goals:
The Two Sources of Profit
💰 Fold Equity
When opponents fold, you win the blinds (and antes) immediately without seeing a flop. This is often your primary source of profit with weak hands.
📊 Pot Equity
When called, you still have a chance to win at showdown. Even weak hands like J♠T♠ have 35-40% equity against typical calling ranges.
Why not min-raise? A min-raise commits ~20% of your stack while giving the same information as an all-in. If you’re going to play the hand, maximize pressure by shoving. If you’re not willing to shove, fold.
How to Use the Push/Fold Advisor
This tool answers the critical short-stack question: “Should I shove with this hand?”
- Calculate Your Stack (BB): Convert your chip count into Big Blinds.
- Formula: Total Chips ÷ Current Big Blind = Stack in BB
- Example: 12,000 chips ÷ 1,000 BB = 12 BB
- Identify Your Position: Where are you sitting relative to the Button?
- EP (Early Position): UTG, UTG+1 — Many players behind, play tight
- MP (Middle Position): Slightly wider than EP
- CO (Cutoff): One off the button, moderately wide
- BTN (Button): Best position, wide ranges
- SB (Small Blind): Only BB behind, widest ranges
- Check for Antes: Antes add dead money, which widens your ranges.
- Read the Range: If your hand is in the displayed range, PUSH. If not, FOLD.
Hand Notation Guide
Understanding poker hand notation is essential for reading push/fold charts:
| Notation | Meaning | Example Hands Included |
|---|---|---|
| AA, KK, QQ | Specific pocket pair | A♠A♥, K♦K♣, etc. |
| 77+ | This pair and all higher pairs | 77, 88, 99, TT, JJ, QQ, KK, AA |
| 22+ | Any pocket pair | 22 through AA (all 13 pairs) |
| AKs | Ace-King suited | A♠K♠, A♥K♥, A♦K♦, A♣K♣ |
| AKo | Ace-King offsuit | A♠K♥, A♠K♦, A♥K♣, etc. (12 combos) |
| ATs+ | Ace-Ten suited and better | ATs, AJs, AQs, AKs |
| ATo+ | Ace-Ten offsuit and better | ATo, AJo, AQo, AKo |
| Axs | Any Ace suited (any kicker) | A2s, A3s, A4s… AKs |
| KQs-K9s | Range from K9s to KQs | K9s, KTs, KJs, KQs |
Position-Based Push Ranges (No Ante)
Your pushing range varies dramatically based on position. More players behind = tighter range. Fewer players = wider range.
| Stack | UTG (Early) | CO (Cutoff) | BTN (Button) | SB (Small Blind) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 BB | 22+, Ax, Kx, Qxs, Q8o+, Jxs, J9o+, T8s+, 98s | Any 2 cards | Any 2 cards | Any 2 cards |
| 8 BB | 22+, Axs, A7o+, KTs+, KJo+, QJs | 22+, Ax, Kx, Qxs, Q5o+, Jxs, J8o+, T7s+, T9o, 97s+ | 22+, Ax, Kx, Qx, Jxs, J5o+, Txs, T7o+, 9xs, 97o+, 8xs | Any 2 cards |
| 10 BB | 55+, ATs+, AJo+, KQs | 22+, Axs, A5o+, Kxs, K9o+, Q9s+, QTo+, JTs | 22+, Ax, Kxs, K5o+, Qxs, Q7o+, Jxs, J8o+, T7s+, T9o | 22+, Ax, Kx, Qxs, Q3o+, Jxs, J7o+, T6s+, T8o+, 97s+ |
| 12 BB | 66+, ATs+, AJo+, KQs | 22+, Axs, A8o+, KTs+, KJo+, QTs+, JTs | 22+, Axs, A4o+, Kxs, K8o+, Q9s+, QTo+, J9s+, JTo | 22+, Ax, Kxs, K4o+, Qxs, Q7o+, J7s+, J9o+, T7s+, T9o |
| 15 BB | 77+, AJs+, AQo+, KQs | 44+, ATs+, AJo+, KTs+, KQo, QJs | 22+, Axs, A7o+, KTs+, KJo+, Q9s+, QTo+, JTs | 22+, Axs, A2o+, Kxs, K7o+, Q8s+, Q9o+, J8s+, JTo, T8s+ |
| 20 BB | 88+, AQs+, AKo | 66+, AJs+, AQo+, KQs | 33+, ATs+, AJo+, KTs+, KQo, QJs | 22+, Axs, A5o+, KTs+, KJo+, Q9s+, QTo+, J9s+, JTo |
Note: These are approximate Nash ranges. Exact ranges vary slightly based on table size and specific stack configurations.
How Antes Change Everything
When antes are in play (common in later tournament stages), more money goes into the pot before any action. This dead money makes pushing more profitable.
💰 The Math Behind Antes
Without Antes: Pot = 1 BB (SB) + 1 BB (BB) = 1.5 BB to win
With 10% Ante (9 players): Pot = 1.5 BB + 0.9 BB = 2.4 BB to win
That’s 60% more dead money — which means significantly wider pushing ranges!
General Rule: With antes, expand your pushing ranges by approximately 20-30%. Hands you would fold in no-ante situations become profitable shoves.
Ante Adjustment Examples (10 BB Stack, Cutoff)
| No Ante Range: 22+, Axs, A5o+, Kxs, K9o+, Q9s+, QTo+, JTs | 10% Ante Range: 22+, Ax, Kxs, K5o+, Qxs, Q7o+, Jxs, J8o+, T7s+, T9o, 98s |
Calling Ranges as Big Blind
Push/fold strategy isn’t just about pushing — you also need to know when to call shoves as the Big Blind. Your calling range depends on:
- Shover’s position — Wider range from SB, tighter from UTG
- Shover’s stack size — Bigger stacks = tighter ranges
- Your pot odds — Calculate how often you need to win
📊 Pot Odds Calculation
Example: SB shoves 10 BB, you’re in BB.
Pot = 10 BB (their shove) + 1 BB (your BB) + 0.5 BB (SB) = 11.5 BB
You need to call 9 BB more (10 BB – 1 BB already posted).
Pot Odds = 9 / (11.5 + 9) = 9 / 20.5 = ~44%
You need ~44% equity to call. Against a wide SB shove, many hands meet this threshold.
Approximate BB Calling Ranges vs Different Positions
| Shover’s Position | Your Calling Range (vs 10 BB shove) |
|---|---|
| UTG (very tight range) | TT+, AQs+, AKo |
| CO (moderate range) | 66+, ATs+, AJo+, KQs |
| BTN (wide range) | 44+, A7s+, A9o+, KTs+, KJo+, QTs+ |
| SB (very wide range) | 22+, A2s+, A5o+, K9s+, KTo+, Q9s+, QTo+, J9s+, T9s |
Example: The Power of Position
Imagine you have 10 Big Blinds. Let’s compare two scenarios to see how position changes everything.
Scenario A: Early Position (UTG)
You are first to act. There are 8 or 9 players behind you who might wake up with Aces or Kings.
Result: Tight range — 55+, ATs+, AJo+, KQs
With K♠J♥? FOLD — The risk of running into a dominating hand is too high.
Scenario B: Small Blind (SB)
Everyone has folded to you. Only the Big Blind is left to beat, and you already have dead money invested.
Result: Very wide — 22+, Ax, Kx, Qxs, Q3o+, Jxs, J7o+…
With K♠J♥? PUSH! — BB will fold most hands, and KJo has great equity when called.
ICM Considerations
ICM (Independent Chip Model) values tournament chips based on their monetary value in the payout structure, not just their chip count. Near pay jumps, survival becomes more important.
When ICM Matters Most
- Bubble situations: One player away from the money — tighten significantly
- Final table: Big pay jumps between positions — consider survival value
- Big stack vs small stacks: Big stacks can bully with wider ranges
- Short stack vs short stack: Both players tighten (neither wants to bust first)
General ICM Adjustment: Tighten your pushing ranges by 10-30% in high-ICM spots. That marginal shove from the button might not be worth the risk of busting before the money.
For detailed ICM calculations, use our ICM Calculator.
Common Adjustments vs Real Opponents
Nash charts assume perfect opponents. In reality, most players make mistakes you can exploit:
| Opponent Tendency | Your Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Folds too much (nit) | Push wider — steal their blinds relentlessly |
| Calls too wide (station) | Push tighter — only shove for value, not as bluffs |
| Big stack bully | Reshove wider against their steals — they have to fold often |
| Scared of bubbling | Attack aggressively — they won’t risk busting |
Related Poker Calculators
- ICM Calculator — Calculate tournament equity and optimal deal-making
- Poker Equity Calculator — Outs and equity calculations
- Pot Odds Calculator — Make correct calling decisions
- Tournament Bankroll Calculator — Manage your tournament bankroll
- Bubble Factor Calculator — Understand ICM pressure
- Poker Variance Calculator — Understand short-term swings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Nash Equilibrium?
In poker, Nash Equilibrium is a state where neither player can improve their results by changing their strategy unilaterally. It is an “unexploitable” strategy — if both players use Nash ranges, they break even against each other in the long run.
For push/fold situations, Nash charts provide mathematically optimal ranges for all stack sizes and positions.
Why no “Call” or “Min-raise”?
When you are short-stacked (under ~15 BB), you lose the ability to play post-flop effectively. By moving All-in, you maximize two sources of profit:
- Fold Equity: Making opponents fold and winning the pot immediately
- Pot Equity: Winning at showdown when called
Calling or min-raising commits chips while giving up fold equity — the worst of both worlds.
What does “s” and “o” mean?
“s” (suited): Cards of the same suit (e.g., A♠J♠). Suited hands can make flushes, giving them about 3-4% more equity.
“o” (offsuit): Cards of different suits (e.g., A♠J♥). More combinations exist but slightly less equity.
What does “+” mean in hand notation?
The “+” symbol means “this hand and all better versions.”
- 77+ = 77, 88, 99, TT, JJ, QQ, KK, AA
- ATs+ = ATs, AJs, AQs, AKs (suited Aces, Ten or better kicker)
- ATo+ = ATo, AJo, AQo, AKo (offsuit Aces, Ten or better)
How do antes affect push/fold ranges?
Antes add “dead money” to the pot before any action. More dead money means you’re risking your stack to win a larger pot, making pushing more profitable.
With 10% antes, your pushing ranges expand by approximately 20-30% compared to no-ante games.
Should I always follow Nash charts exactly?
Nash charts are optimal against perfect opponents, but most players aren’t perfect.
- If opponents fold too much → Push wider
- If opponents call too loose → Push tighter (value only)
Use Nash as your baseline, then adjust based on reads.
What is ICM and how does it affect push/fold?
ICM (Independent Chip Model) values tournament chips based on payout structure, not just chip count. Near the bubble or final table, survival becomes more valuable than chip accumulation.
ICM typically tightens your pushing ranges because busting out costs more than in a cash game. On the bubble, you might fold hands that would be clear shoves otherwise.
When should I start using push/fold strategy?
Pure push/fold becomes optimal below 10-12 big blinds. Between 12-20 BB, you can mix in some open-raises with strong hands, but pushing is often simpler and nearly as effective.
Above 20 BB, standard poker strategy with raises, 3-bets, and post-flop play applies.
What’s the difference between pushing from SB vs BTN?
From the Small Blind, only one player (BB) can call, maximizing fold equity. Ranges are widest here.
From the Button, both SB and BB can call, so ranges are slightly tighter. However, both are “stealing” positions with wide ranges compared to early position.
How do I defend as Big Blind against a shove?
Your calling range depends on:
- Shover’s position — Wider vs SB shoves, tighter vs UTG
- Shover’s stack size — Tighter vs big stacks
- Your pot odds — Calculate required equity to call
Against a typical SB shove with 10 BB, you need ~40% equity, which many hands provide.
Do push/fold charts work for cash games?
Push/fold charts are designed for tournaments where you can’t rebuy. In cash games, you can always reload, changing the dynamics significantly.
If playing short-stack cash games, similar principles apply, but rake considerations become important and reduce profitability of marginal shoves.
What if multiple players are already all-in?
Standard push/fold charts assume you’re first to act or everyone has folded to you. With existing all-ins:
- One all-in: Tighten significantly — they have a real hand
- Multiple all-ins: Only call with premium hands (QQ+, AK)
Your fold equity is zero when calling, so you need pure pot equity to win.