Medium stack tournament strategy (20–40 big blinds)
A medium stack — roughly 20 to 40 big blinds — is often the hardest stack to play. You’re too deep to just push or fold, but too short to play lots of post-flop poker. Big stacks can pressure you, and short stacks can shove into you.
What makes it tricky
Section titled “What makes it tricky”- Opening and folding to a shove costs a meaningful part of your stack.
- Calling raises leaves awkward post-flop spots with a low SPR. See SPR.
- Near the money, you have the most to lose from busting. See ICM.
Key moves
Section titled “Key moves”| Situation | Plan |
|---|---|
| Folded to you in late position | Open-raise (often 2–2.2bb) with a solid range. See stealing blinds |
| Late-position open in front of you | 3-bet shove (re-steal) with strong hands at 20–25bb. See 3-bet shove |
| Early-position raise | Mostly fold unless you have a premium hand |
| Short stack shoves | Call with strong hands; consider ICM and who covers whom. See calling all-ins |
Avoid the big stacks
Section titled “Avoid the big stacks”Big stacks can put you at risk at any time. Avoid marginal confrontations with players who cover you, especially near the bubble. Attack other medium and short stacks instead. See bubble play and big stack strategy.
Post-flop
Section titled “Post-flop”With 20–40bb you’ll rarely see many streets. Plan before the flop: will I get all in if I hit top pair? If yes, commit; if not, keep it small or don’t play the hand. See pot committed.
See also short stack strategy and middle stage.
What is a medium stack in a tournament?
Section titled “What is a medium stack in a tournament?”Roughly 20 to 40 big blinds.
Why is a medium stack hard to play?
Section titled “Why is a medium stack hard to play?”It’s too deep for pure push/fold but too short for much post-flop play, and big stacks can pressure it.
What should I do with 20–25bb facing a late open?
Section titled “What should I do with 20–25bb facing a late open?”3-bet shove with strong hands; it uses your fold equity.
Should a medium stack fight big stacks?
Section titled “Should a medium stack fight big stacks?”Avoid marginal spots against players who cover you, especially near the bubble.