All-in decisions in cash games: when to call or shove
An all-in in a cash game puts your whole stack on one decision. The good news: once the money is in, the maths is simple. Call if your equity against their range is higher than the price you’re paying. The hard part is estimating that range honestly.
Step 1: the price
Section titled “Step 1: the price”Needed equity = amount to call ÷ (pot after your call)
Example: the pot is $40, your opponent shoves $60. You must call $60 to win $160 in total (40 + 60 + 60). You need 60 ÷ 160 = 37.5% equity. See pot odds.
Step 2: their range
Section titled “Step 2: their range”Ask what this player shoves with here:
- Passive or tight players at low stakes: usually sets, two pair, overpairs, the nuts.
- Aggressive players: also big draws and some bluffs.
- Deep stacks (150bb+): shoves are stronger; one pair is rarely good.
See hand ranges.
Step 3: your equity
Section titled “Step 3: your equity”| Your hand vs their range | Rough equity |
|---|---|
| Flush draw on the flop vs a set | ~25–30% |
| Overpair vs a set | ~10% |
| Combo draw (flush + straight) vs one pair | ~50%+ |
| Top pair vs a flush draw | ~55–65% |
See poker equity.
Shoving yourself
Section titled “Shoving yourself”- Semi-bluff shoves with big draws work when the opponent can fold: you win the pot now or have good equity when called. See fold equity.
- With strong made hands at low SPR, shoving is often simplest. See SPR.
Common mistakes
Section titled “Common mistakes”- Calling because “I’m already pot committed” without checking the maths.
- Overvaluing one pair in deep-stacked pots.
- Folding big draws that easily have the odds.
See also expected value.
How do I decide whether to call an all-in?
Section titled “How do I decide whether to call an all-in?”Compare your equity against the opponent’s likely range with the share of the final pot you must pay.
How much equity do I need to call an all-in?
Section titled “How much equity do I need to call an all-in?”Your call divided by the total pot after your call, e.g. 60 into 160 is 37.5%.
Should I call an all-in with one pair in a deep cash game?
Section titled “Should I call an all-in with one pair in a deep cash game?”Rarely: deep-stacked shoves at low stakes are usually two pair or better.
When is shoving with a draw good?
Section titled “When is shoving with a draw good?”When the opponent can fold and your draw has strong equity if called.