Spin and Go games are fast-paced, high-variance poker tournaments that demand a strong grasp of short-stack strategy. Since these games typically begin with shallow stacks (usually 25 big blinds or fewer), solid preflop decision-making becomes the cornerstone of winning consistently. One of the most effective tools to navigate these spots is using preflop charts—simplified hand guides that help you determine when to raise, fold, call, or shove based on position and stack depth.
Why Preflop Charts Matter in Spin and Go
Unlike deep-stack tournaments or cash games, Spin and Go formats force quick decisions due to:
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A fast blind structure
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Three-player tables
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Random prize pools that spike intensity
Because you won’t have the luxury of long post-flop battles, playing solid preflop ranges is essential to avoid spewing chips and to maximize your fold equity when it matters.
Preflop charts are designed to take the guesswork out of early decisions by giving you GTO (Game Theory Optimal)-inspired hand ranges based on specific situations. For Spin and Go players, these charts improve consistency, eliminate hesitation, and help you make profitable plays under pressure.
Open-Raising Chart for 3-Handed Play (Effective 25 BB)
Button (SB when first to act):
Raise 100% of hands except complete trash like 72o, 83o, and 94o. Prioritize:
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Raise: All pairs, all suited connectors, all suited aces, K9o+, Q9o+, JTo+
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Limp or Fold: Low offsuit hands like 84o, 96o
Small Blind (after Button folds):
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Shove or Raise: 55+, A2s+, K9s+, Q9s+, J9s+, ATo+, KJo+
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Fold: Very weak offsuit hands
Big Blind (vs Button raise):
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Call: A7s+, KTs+, QTs+, JTs, 66+, ATo+, KQo
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3-bet shove: 99+, AJs+, KQs
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Fold: Low suited gappers and offsuit trash hands like J4o, T5o
Shoving Chart for 10–12 BB Stacks (Push or Fold)
Button (First to Act):
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Shove: Any pair, A2s+, K9s+, Q9s+, J9s+, A8o+, KTo+, QJo
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Fold: Weaker offsuit hands like Q8o, T7o
Small Blind (vs Button Fold):
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Shove: Any pair, any ace, any suited king, K8o+, Q9o+, J9o+, T9o+
Big Blind (vs Small Blind shove):
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Call: 66+, A8s+, KTs+, QTs+, ATo+, KJo+, QJo
Call vs Shove Chart (Facing All-in)
When short-stacked opponents shove first, knowing what to call with can be the difference between staying alive and busting early.
Against Button Shove (10 BB):
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Call Range (from SB): 66+, A9s+, KQs, AJo+
Against Small Blind Shove (8 BB):
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Call Range (from BB): 55+, A8s+, KTs+, ATo+
Keep in mind that stack size, reads, and opponent tendencies should all play a role—but these ranges are solid starting points.
How to Adjust Your Preflop Charts
Even the best charts aren’t set in stone. Adjust your ranges based on the following:
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Player Type: Against tighter opponents, widen your shove/call range. Against loose-aggressive types, tighten up.
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Stack Depths: Charts change significantly between 25 BB, 15 BB, and 8 BB scenarios. Don’t use one-size-fits-all ranges.
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Prize Pool Size: If you hit a high-multiplier prize pool, adjust slightly tighter in early levels to reduce variance.
Using charts effectively also means studying away from the table and internalizing these ranges so you can act fast during games without needing to pause or overthink.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use preflop charts during live Spin and Go games?
You can study and memorize charts ahead of time, but using them during gameplay (especially in online tournaments) may violate platform rules. It’s best to train with them off the table.
Q2: Do preflop charts guarantee long-term success in Spin and Go?
While charts drastically improve consistency and decision-making, success also depends on postflop skill, variance management, and exploiting opponents’ tendencies.
Q3: Are preflop charts useful for beginners in Spin and Go games?
Absolutely. Preflop charts are one of the best learning tools for new players. They simplify early decision-making and help avoid costly mistakes under time pressure.