Push/Fold Calculator
Calculate optimal push/fold ranges for short-stacked tournament poker. Nash equilibrium shoving charts based on position and stack size.
Formula:Nash Equilibrium Push/Fold Ranges
Your current stack in BB
Position at the table
Players behind you
Effective Stack
10 BB
No ante adjustment
Range Width
~48%
of starting hands
Strategy
Push or Fold
No limping or min-raising
Shove These Hands from BTN
AA-22A2s+A2o+K2s+K5o+Q5s+Q9o+J7s+JToT7s+T9o97s+87s76s65s
Based on 10 BB Nash equilibrium chart. Fold all other hands.
Position Analysis
Button is one of the best positions to shove. Only blinds can call, and they're out of position.
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
Push/Fold Strategy Guide
Push/fold strategy is optimal when short-stacked in tournaments (under 10-15 big blinds). At 10 BB from the button, shove: Any pair, A2+, K5s+, K8o+, Q8s+, QTo+, J8s+, JTo, T8s+, 98s, 87s. At 5 BB, shove much wider: any ace, any pair, K2+, Q5+, J7+, T7+, 97s+. Nash equilibrium ranges ensure you can't be exploited.
Key Facts About Push/Fold
- Use push/fold with 10 BB or less
- Position matters: tighter UTG, wider on button
- Nash equilibrium = unexploitable strategy
- More players behind = tighter range
- Antes increase shoving range significantly
- ICM pressure tightens optimal ranges
- Never min-raise or limp when short
- Fold equity is crucial when short-stacked
Stack Size Strategy
1-5 BB: Emergency Mode
Shove very wide. Any ace, any pair, most kings, suited connectors. Fold equity is minimal but you need to accumulate chips.
6-10 BB: Critical Zone
Pure push/fold. Good fold equity makes shoving profitable. Never limp or min-raise - it's all or nothing.
11-15 BB: Decision Zone
Mostly push/fold but can occasionally play standard poker with premium hands. Position is crucial.
16-20 BB: Standard Play
Can play normal poker but push/fold is still optimal with marginal hands. Open-raising becomes viable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is push/fold strategy?
Push/fold (shove/fold) is a simplified strategy for short-stacked tournament play where you either go all-in or fold - no limping or min-raising. It maximizes fold equity and prevents you from being pot-committed with weak hands.
When should I use push/fold?
Use push/fold when your stack is 10 big blinds or less (some use it up to 15 BB). Below this threshold, standard post-flop poker becomes suboptimal because you don't have enough chips to make meaningful raises and calls.
What is Nash equilibrium in poker?
Nash equilibrium is a mathematically optimal strategy where neither player can improve their results by changing their approach unilaterally. Nash push/fold charts show the optimal shoving and calling ranges that cannot be exploited.
How does position affect push/fold ranges?
Position dramatically affects ranges. From UTG (first position), you should only shove premium hands. From the button, you can profitably shove a much wider range because fewer players can wake up with a calling hand.
Should I adjust for ICM?
Yes. Near the bubble or pay jumps, tighten your shoving range because survival has extra value. Don't shove marginal hands when being eliminated costs more ICM equity than a double-up gains.
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).