Question 1

What is push fold in poker?

Accepted Answer

Push fold is a short stack tournament strategy where you either go all-in (push) or fold preflop — skipping all post-flop play. It is the optimal approach when your stack falls below roughly 15 big blinds, because traditional raises leave you pot-committed anyway and fold equity becomes your most valuable asset.

Question 2

When should I start using a push fold strategy?

Accepted Answer

Most tournament players switch to push or fold when their stack drops to 15 big blinds or fewer. Below 10 big blinds it becomes mandatory — open-raising with less commits most of your stack, so shoving all-in first is strictly better.

Question 3

What hands can I push all-in with 10 big blinds?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your position. From the small blind at 10 BBs the Nash chart allows a very wide range including any pair, most aces, most kings, and many suited connectors. From UTG in a 9-max the range tightens to strong aces, big pairs, and a few broadways. Use the chart above and select 10 BBs and your position to see the exact hands.

Question 4

What is Nash equilibrium in poker?

Accepted Answer

Nash equilibrium is a solved, unexploitable strategy — if both you and your opponent play Nash ranges, neither player can profit by deviating. The push fold chart shows Nash equilibrium shoving ranges assuming all remaining players are also playing Nash calling ranges. Against weaker fields you can often push wider, but Nash ranges ensure you're never making a mathematically losing play.

Question 5

Does the push fold chart work for tournaments with no antes?

Accepted Answer

This chart is calculated for 9-max tournaments with 12.5% antes, which is the most common modern tournament structure. With no antes the pot is smaller, so pushing ranges should tighten slightly — especially from early position. The chart is still a strong baseline, but adjust toward tighter ranges in ante-free formats.

Push Fold Chart

What is push/fold?

How to use this chart