Stack sizes play a vital role in No Limit Hold' Em due to implied odds and you should adapt your tactics according to your stack size.

Here we are generally talking about pre-flop play against tight players as usually the different tactics you would adopt against a tight, aggressive player compared to a tight, passive player only really comes into effect post-flop.

Firstly we look at how to act with three different stack sizes at tight tables when nobody has yet bet pre-flop.

1) With a small stack less than 50 times the big blind, you should aim to play slightly more aggressive pre-flop in order to steal the blinds more than you would at a loose table. In later positions you can also bet with weaker hands in order to try to steal the blinds and the ideal hands to do so in short stack situations are when you are dealt an Ace, King or Queen and with medium pairs. You can also play more aggressively post-flop as if things don't go to plan as the stacks are short in comparison to the blinds.

2) With an average size stack around 50 to 150 times the big blind, you can play looser than you would with a short stack as your implied odds post flop are better. Take advantage of position but don't gung-ho if called as the indication is that if a tight player has called then they have a better hand. Play loose with pairs as they have better implied odds if they hit but tighten up when you have a single Ace or King as one of your pocket cards.

3) With a deep stack over 150 times the big blind, you can afford to play loose as the size of the pots that are available to be won are large compared to the small pre-flop pots. A slice of luck with the cards falling your way could see you win a monster pot against a big hand. Combine that scenario with your chance of stealing the blinds and outplaying your opponents post-flop make it a shrewd deep-stack move especially with pairs. However beware as high pairs and hands like Ace, King often have bad implied odds with deep stacks.

Now we look at how to act with three different stack sizes at tight tables with a raised pot.

1) With a small stack less than 50 times the big blind, high cards and pairs go up in value but be wary with low pairs and suited connectors as there are no implied odds. The key is to assess the pot odds and if you feel your hand is strong enough then play.

2) With an average size stack around 50 to 150 times the big blind, pocket pairs are more likely to have the implied odds that is required to call. But suited connectors probably don't and high cards can get into some bad reverse implied odds situations so with those it is wise to tighten up on your calls.

3) With a deep stack over 150 times the big blind, you can afford to play loose in order to try and hit the big hand. You should call with suited connectors and even with an Ace or King allied with a weak card if you think you can back it up post-flop. If you have an extremely tight opponent that is even better for you as if he'll only open with pocket rockets, it'll be easier to get his money post flop.

Angus MacKenzie / Eurosport