Most poker strategists preach the features and benefits of playing no limit poker with the maximum buy-in allowed. While there are extensive benefits to having as deep a chip stack as possible in a ring game, there are several advantages for buying into a cash game short. Among those reasons, a short stack player has an easier time making decisions, and takes on less risk.
Simplifying Decisions
The fewer chips in front of you, the easier your decision is. Instead of reraising and carefully sizing your reraise on PokerStars, you are often correct simply moving all-in. Because some deeper stacks might not see you as a major threat, they will often pay you off with mediocre holdings against your monster, as much of a risk; you will often be paid off more with your big hands than you would if you had more chips. Additionally, once all-in, the decision making process is ended. The burden of making tough choices goes to the rest of the table. In the event you are not called, you get additional chips to add to your short stack. Typically, with a short stack, one is correct in raising, moving all-in or folding.
Less Money at Risk
While most of the experts claim you should never play over your head, buying in for the minimum at a higher level gives you a feel for the game while taking on less risk. The beauty of the no limit poker game is that the most you stand to lose is the amount of money on the table. Providing you play sound short stack strategy, you risk less money to get a higher payoff
While not considered fundamentally sound, short-stack ring game poker can prove to be a profitable endeavor. The decisions one has to make when playing short stacked poker are quite simple, and it is a great way to sample a higher buy-in game.