Stack-to-pot ratio
The effective stack behind divided by the pot, usually measured on the flop.
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- What it means
- The stack-to-pot ratio, or SPR, compares how much can still be bet with how much is already in the pot. It sets how committed a hand becomes as the pot grows.
- How it is calculated
- SPR = effective stack behind ÷ pot. The rule of thumb in the lessons: under 2, top pair is usually strong enough to get all in; 2 to 6, it depends on kicker and board; over 6, one pair should keep the pot small.
- Worked example
- You open to 2.5bb at 25bb deep and the big blind calls. The flop pot is about 5.5bb with 22.5bb behind, an SPR of about 4. At 100bb deep the same pot has an SPR of about 18.
- Why it matters
- Short tournament stacks mean low SPRs, where top pair is a stacking hand. Deep stacks need stronger hands to play for everything.
Try it: Poker math
Formula and worked example: Stack-to-pot ratio in poker math
Lessons that teach it: Compare the stack behind with the pot, Short stack: the price of getting all in · lessons other than the free one need an invite
See also: Stack depth, Geometric sizing, Overbet