Stack-to-Pot Ratio (SPR)

"Stack-to-Pot Ratio" (SPR) is a mathematical concept in poker used to guide betting decisions during a hand. It is calculated by dividing the size of the effective stack (the amount of money in the smallest stack involved in the hand) by the size of the pot.

What is Stack-to-pot Ratio in Poker?

In poker, the 'Stack-to-pot Ratio' (SPR) is a calculation used to help make decisions about how to play a hand. The SPR is determined by dividing the size of the smaller stack involved in the hand (the amount of money you have left to bet) by the size of the pot.

For example, if there is $100 in the pot and the two players have $150 and $200 in their stacks respectively, the SPR is $150 (the smaller stack) divided by $100 (the pot). This gives an SPR of 1.5.

What is Stack-to-pot Ratio?

The SPR is a concept that can help you determine the right strategy for a hand based on the relationship between the size of the pot and the size of your stack. A low SPR (where the pot is large compared to your stack) often means that you are committed to the pot and should play aggressively, while a high SPR (where the pot is small compared to your stack) might mean that you have more flexibility and can play more creatively.

Using Stack-to-pot Ratio in Your Strategy

Knowing the current SPR is vital for planning your strategy in big bet games like no limit hold'em and pot limit Omaha.

For example, if you have a strong hand and the SPR is low, you might want to move all in, as you are likely committed to the pot. Conversely, if the SPR is high you might want to consider slow-playing, check-raising, or betting a smaller amount to build the pot for later streets.

Example of "Stack-to-pot Ratio"

If you're playing a hand of Texas Hold'em online and the pot is $100, you have $300 left in your stack and your opponent has you covered, then the SPR would be 3.0.

This means you have three times the current pot left in your stack and have plenty of options throughout the rest of the hand. You are probably too deep to move all in.

However, if the pot is $200 and you have $50 left in your stack, then the SPR is 0.25 and your options are limited. An all-in bet here is pretty much mandated here.

• "With a low stack-to-pot ratio, he decided to go all-in with his top pair."
• "Given the high stack-to-pot ratio, she played cautiously with her middle pair."
• "Knowing the stack-to-pot ratio helped him decide whether to play aggressively or conservatively."

Stack-to-pot Ratio in Poker FAQ