SPR, the stack-to-pot ratio, is the effective stack divided by the size of the pot when the flop is dealt. It tells you how committed you are to the pot and how strong a hand you need to get all-in.
How to calculate SPR
SPR = effective stack ÷ pot on the flop
Example: you raise to $10 at $1/$2, one player calls, and the blinds fold. The pot is $23. You both have $190 left. SPR = 190 ÷ 23 ≈ 8.3.
What SPR tells you
| SPR | What it means | Hands happy to get all-in |
|---|---|---|
| Under 4 (low) | You are close to committed | Top pair, overpairs |
| 4 to 10 (medium) | Normal single-raised pots | Two pair or better, strong overpairs |
| Over 10 (high) | Deep, lots of play left | Sets, straights, flushes |
Using SPR to plan
- Big pairs want low SPR. 3-betting AA or KK shrinks the SPR so you can get all-in with an overpair.
- Speculative hands want high SPR. Small pairs and suited connectors need deep stacks for implied odds.
- Plan before the flop. Knowing the SPR helps you decide whether top pair is a hand to stack off with or to play carefully.
Find more terms in the poker glossary.
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