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The push-or-fold stage of a tournament is probably the most complex stage. When to go all-in, when to fold? Sooner or later you will inevitably be forced to take the time to look into the mathematical background of this stage: the Independent Chip Model (ICM). In order to make this easier our software cracks programmed the ICM Trainer, which will help give you a feeling for correct decisions.

You may however feel a bit disoriented in the face of such a complex subject as the ICM, and more straightforward guidelines might be helpful. This is why our SNG experts developed four charts in collaboration with Florian "Morgoth" Langmann, the 2006 German Champion. These charts will help you decide, whether you want to go all-in with your hand or not.

At lower limits, especially as a beginner, these charts will give you an edge against typical opponents. But longterm, they can't replace taking the time to learn about ICM and the theory behind it.

The four charts distinguish four situations:

• Nobody is involved in the hand yet. You will use the push-chart.
• There are already players in the hand. It is not important how they were involved. Now you use our three rebound charts, which identify your possible positions.

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PokerStrategy.com Push or Fold Charts

The Push Chart - everyone folded so far

You always use this chart when everyone has folded so far and your chip stack, or the chip stacks of all the opponents after you, are 13 big blinds or smaller.

The constitution of this chart is rather simple. The first column shows the possible hands you can play. The header for this chart shows your possible positions. So if you find your hand and your position, you will find the entry which fits your situation.

Now find numbers from 4 to 13. As you may have already guessed, these numbers tell you how many big blinds you need to go all-in with your hand in this position. If there is a 5, you have to go all-in if you, or every opponent after you, has 5 or less big blinds. Otherwise (e.g. you or an opponent after you has 6 big blinds left) you must fold.

Push chart. For when you are first in:

The Rebound Charts - someone is already involved in the hand

Rebound charts will now show you when to go all-in, if somebody has either called or raised so far. You now concentrate on the question: Do I go all-in?

You will find the answer on the specific rebound chart. We identified the three following cases:

• You are not in the blinds
• You are in the small blind
• You are in the big blind

Once again, you can find the playable hands in the left column. The top of the chart shows you the position of the player who was first to call or raise. Below you find the maximum number of big blinds you should have, to profitably go all-in with this hand.

As before, the positions found at the top of the rebound charts, refer to the position of the player who was first to enter the hand. The push chart refers to "your hand" because you should be the first player to enter the hand.

Rebound Chart. For when you are not in the blinds:

Rebound Chart. For when you are in the small blind:

Conclusion

Download the pdf file of the charts and print them out, in order to make them available while you are playing. Initially, they will give you an edge against opponents at lower buy-ins.

But mind the guidelines concerning the number of big blinds. These charts are based on complex mathematical calculations and strategic considerations, so you can trust them. Not following the guidelines, such as not taking the number of big blinds seriously in special situations, could cause unwanted side effects. Only deviate from the charts if you have good reason to do so.

Your long term aim should be to outgrow the charts and understand what you should do in given situations and against specific opponents.

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