Poker Basics

The effective stack is the maximum number of chips that can be won or lost between two players in a hand. It is determined by the smaller of their two stacks. Example You have 80 big blinds and your opponent has 45. Between the two of you, the effective stack is 45 big blinds because neither player can win more than that from the other.

Quick Find

Browse Poker Terminology

Jump into the type of poker term you want to understand.

Quick Search

Search Poker Terminology

Search the glossary by poker term or phrase.

Poker Terms A-Z

Published: September 29, 2026
Browse the full Poker Terminology guide