Obviously, poker becomes more difficult when you have a small stack of chips. You have to lessen your mistakes. Every poker player has experienced being the player with the skinniest stack at the table. You have to adjust to the situation and carefully assess your next move.

Remember these four tips when playing with a small stack of chips:

Calculate everything

Avoid making speculative calls because you’re better off sticking to poker betting odds. You should take your chances with percentages rather than speculations.

Never bluff

Unless you’re about 99% percent sure with your cards and willing to go all-in on a hand, don’t ever bluff. Bluffing is fun, but not the smartest thing to do when playing with a short stack.

Take control

With a small stack, you have to be patient and poised. Wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. Be aggressive but at the same time in control once you land a strong hand.

Play good cards

Patience may not be on your side while you wait for the perfect hand to land. You may have to play good, not great, cards if you’re about to run out of chips.

Stay away

Avoid showdowns between two players with big stacks. Let the other players with big stacks take out each other at the poker table.