Mind Over Poker - An Orbit Late and a Chip Short

If you’re a tournament player, take a moment right now to think back on your last few eliminations. How many times were you blinded down to the point of no return? When you finally did push your chips into the middle, was it an easy call for your opponent? If you have been blinded down, reflect on how it happened. What was your thought process? Were you waiting for premium cards? Were you waiting to be able to open-push from the button? Were you waiting for the right situation, whatever that may be?

The point of this column is that too often, players wait for that magical moment, and it never comes. At that point, a player will find himself down to a few blinds, with no choice other than to move in with a mediocre hand that is guaranteed to be called or literally post his remaining chips in the blind. Have you ever found yourself under the gun with the realization that if you don’t play this hand, you’re all in for the big blind in the next one? If any of this sounds even vaguely familiar, I want you to keep one thing in mind the next time you play: Don’t make your move an orbit late and a chip short.

Make your move while you still have enough chips to force your opponents to fold. Don’t wait for cards and don’t wait for position. Yes, ideally, a premium hand would help. It isn’t always going to come, however. And even if it does come at the last minute and you win the hand, you’re going to find yourself right back in the same short-stacked situation. Think about that. Let’s say that you are sitting on eight big blinds and are debating whether or not it’s time to make a move. You don’t, and are glad when you pick up pocket aces an obit later. However, now the blinds have gone up and you’re down to about four big blinds. Even if you double up, you’re no better off than when you first contemplated making a move.

Or, you are looking to make a move from late position. The problem is, someone keeps raising in front of you, and you never get that chance. Sometimes it’s better to make a move from earlier position before it’s too late. Yes, you run a bigger risk with more players yet to act behind you. On the flip side, though, position is not nearly as important once you’re all in. There is no post-flop play for you. You’re also making a move before the next round of blinds eats into you. Additionally, you may get more credit for having a premium hand by moving from early position.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, ask yourself if you ever get sick of playing a short stack. If so, there’s an easy cure. Make your move before you’re an orbit late and a chip short. ♠

David Apostolico is the author of several poker-strategy books, including Tournament Poker and The Art of War, and Compete, Play, Win: Finding Your Best Competitive Self. You can contact him at [email protected].