All-in or Fold (AoF) poker: rules and strategy
All-in or Fold (AoF) is a fast format offered by some poker rooms: on every decision you can only go all in or fold — no calls of small bets, no raises of other sizes, no post-flop play. Stacks are usually short and fixed (often around 10 big blinds; check the table rules). It’s essentially pure push/fold poker.
How it plays
Section titled “How it plays”- Each player has a short stack, sometimes with antes.
- The first player to act can shove or fold. Players after a shove can call all in or fold.
- The hand is dealt to the river; the best hand wins.
Why it’s all about maths
Section titled “Why it’s all about maths”Because every pot is all in, AoF is decided by preflop ranges: which hands to shove from each position and which to call with. See push/fold and fold equity.
Simple guidelines (about 10bb)
Section titled “Simple guidelines (about 10bb)”| Situation | Hands |
|---|---|
| Shove from early position | Pairs, strong aces (A-8+), strong broadways |
| Shove from the button or small blind | Much wider: most aces, kings, pairs, suited connectors |
| Call a shove | Tighter than shoving: pairs, good aces, strong kings |
| Call when several players are left to act | Tighter still |
Remember: you need a stronger hand to call than to shove, because shoving also wins when everyone folds. See calling all-ins.
Is AoF good for beginners?
Section titled “Is AoF good for beginners?”- Pros: very simple decisions, great for learning push/fold ranges for tournaments.
- Cons: very high variance, little room for skill beyond ranges, and fast pace. Use strict bankroll management.
See also short stack strategy and open shove.
What is All-in or Fold poker?
Section titled “What is All-in or Fold poker?”A format where every decision is either going all in or folding, usually with short fixed stacks.
Which hands should I shove in AoF?
Section titled “Which hands should I shove in AoF?”Tighter from early positions, much wider from the button and small blind.
Should I call shoves as often as I shove?
Section titled “Should I call shoves as often as I shove?”No. You need a stronger hand to call than to shove.
Is All-in or Fold good for beginners?
Section titled “Is All-in or Fold good for beginners?”It is simple and teaches push/fold ranges, but has very high variance.