Multiway pots for a shortsack


Thinking back to the few big pots (ie hands where I ended up above 100bb), it was because of Axs or a pp.

1) The value of Axs as a shortstack:

Common scenario.. you limp Axs MP/LP in a 4 way pot. Flop comes 4 to flush. Someone with TP bets pot, you call. Someone with hopefully a smaller draw or even middle pair to call as well as they are getting odds to call. On the turn you now have less than a pot behind making any sort of bet +ev to call on the turn, correct?

Of course flopping 2 pair is a monster to a shortstack, and will likely double you up against AJ, or *gasp* a weak tighty not raising AQ/AK pf. Another reason to limp Axs.

These 2 reasons alone make it possible to not only limp Axs, but also call a small pre-flop raise with Axs when the pot is already multiway. You are more than likely going to double up if you hit.

2) Playing Small PP's multiway

Limp small PP's, only call a raise if pot is already, or is likely to become multiway.

Hitting a set on the flop: Similar situation as Axs. If you hit you are going to get paid. No reason to make the first bet on the flop. Usually just check the PFR, then either get it all in right there or wait till turn. If everyone limped, just check to the Tagg that will most likely try and steal the pot on the flop. Betting a ragged flop is usually a bad idea if you hit your set as a shortstack. But of course it is a good idea to bet an obvious drawy-flop.

Missing the flop: Usually I just played weak/tight and folded to any cbet... however I imagine there are times when it would be correct to C/R AI. For example, If you have relative position on the pfr and everyone else folds to his C-bet. If you have a HUD stats on the PFR that he missed the flop you could c/r AI. Of course I didnt have a HUD when I played shortstack so I didnt do this move much myself.

I would like to hear opionions on this and my last post. I feel it is important for everyone to get inside the head of a shortstacking grinder's mind. I played this way for tens of thousands of hands at 25/50/100NL.

ps. FWIW, this strat in my shortstacking prime worked *best* at pokerroom skins on FR 50NL. But it worked everywhere from party 6max 25/50/100 NL and back to FR. For some reason the I made the switch rather often, and easily between FR and SH as a shortstack. It is much more difficult as a fullstack.