Partypoker Mandates 100 Big Blind Buy-In for Cash Games

Partypoker has announced a significant change in its cash game structure, introducing a mandatory buy-in of 100 big blinds. This rule will apply to both regular and fast-poker tables, aiming to enhance the gaming experience and improve bankroll management for players.

In the early days of online poker, many rooms allowed players to join tables with as few as 20 big blinds. This strategy, known as Short Stack Strategy (SSS), was popularized by networks like Ongame and iPoker, as well as platforms like Unibet and Full Tilt. The strategy divided the poker community, with some players accusing opponents of not understanding the game's intellectual aspects, while others found it profitable.

PokerStars took the first steps to limit short stacks in March 2008 by introducing tables with a minimum buy-in of 50 big blinds. This decision was made after community pressure on 2+2 forums. By April 2010, PokerStars further divided tables into three buy-in ranges: 20-50 BB, 40-100 BB, and 100-250 BB. In January 2011, PokerStars discontinued the 20-50 BB tables and introduced CAP tables, where players could not invest more than 20 big blinds in a single hand.