What is the M-ratio in poker tournaments?

M (or the M-ratio) tells you how many orbits (full rounds of the table) you could survive without playing a hand. It’s your stack divided by the cost of one orbit: the small blind + big blind + all antes. The idea was popularised by the poker author Dan Harrington. A low M means you must act soon.

How to calculate M

M = your stack ÷ (small blind + big blind + total antes)

Example: stack 12,000, blinds 200/400, big blind ante 400. Cost of one orbit = 200 + 400 + 400 = 1,000. M = 12.

M zones

M	Zone	Strategy
20+	Green	Play normal poker; you have time
10–20	Yellow	Steal more, avoid speculative calls
6–10	Orange	Raise-or-fold; look for spots to move all-in
1–5	Red	Push/fold: all-in or fold
Under 1	Dead	Go all-in with almost any reasonable hand

M vs big blinds

Most modern players count big blinds instead, because it’s simpler and push/fold charts use it. M is useful because it includes antes: with big antes, a 20 BB stack can have a much lower M. Both tell the same story: the shorter you are, the more aggressive and simple your strategy must be.

Using M in practice

Check your M (or BB count) every orbit.
Don’t wait until the red zone: start stealing in the yellow zone.
Remember that the blinds go up: your M drops even if you don’t lose a hand.

See antes, blinds and big blinds and tournament strategy.

FAQ

What is M in poker?

Your stack divided by the cost of one orbit: small blind, big blind and all antes.

How do you calculate the M-ratio?

M = stack ÷ (small blind + big blind + total antes).

What M is a short stack?

Under about 10; under 5 means push/fold.

Is M better than counting big blinds?

Both work. M includes antes; big blinds are simpler and used in push/fold charts.