Article updated on 4 February 2025
In the poker world, there are numerous unique phrases and expressions. poker table.
One such saying is: 'All you need is a chip and a chair.'
The poker term 'Chip and a chair' conveys the notion that a poker player can triumph in a tournament, despite the fact they only have a single chip remaining. This phenomenon does occur from time to time, as illustrated by the real-life events that led to the creation of this saying (details coming up).
This concept can be likened to the phrase, 'It’s not over until it’s over.' If you possess at least one chip, you still have a chance to compete for the tournament’s top prize.
Continue reading to uncover more about this widely recognized poker term.
In this article, we will delve into the following topics -
- What is the Origin of the Term Chip and Chair?
- What Are the Chances of Winning a Poker Tournament with Only One Chip Remaining?
What is the Origin of the Term Chip and Chair?
'Chip and chair,' like several contemporary poker idioms, found its beginnings on one of the grandest platforms – the World Series of Poker (WSOP) $10,000 Main Event. poker game’s What is the Origin of the Term Chip and Chair?
What ensued became one of the most incredible comeback tales in the history of the World Series.
“Someone made a bet, and Jack pushed all his chips forward, upping the ante for the original bettor,” recounted poker icon Doyle Brunson later. “He never officially declared 'all in.'
After Jack lost that hand, he stood to make his exit when he discovered a $500 chip hidden beneath a newspaper. A floor manager evaluated the circumstances and decided that Straus could remain in the tournament since he hadn’t formally declared 'all in,' and his opponent had only called his original wager.
Despite only having one chip at his disposal, the situation was challenging – the blinds had already escalated to 400/800, with over a hundred players still in the running.
“He returned to his seat and went on to win the tournament,” Brunson recounted.
Straus went on a remarkable winning streak, transforming that one chip into a place at the final table, which featured a stellar lineup of legendary players:
Sailor Roberts (1975 WSOP Main Event Champion)
- Berry Johnston (more than $3 million in lifetime earnings, Main Event Champion 1985, holder of five WSOP bracelets)
- Dewey Tomko (over $3.5 million in lifetime earnings, three WSOP bracelets)
- Doyle Brunson (10 WSOP bracelets, exceeding $5.5 million in lifetime earnings)
- Johnston, Tomko, and Brunson would eventually become part of the Poker Hall of Fame. With Straus leading in chips, he became unstoppable, eliminating seven out of the nine players at the table.
Ultimately, Tomko found himself facing off against the Texan in a heads-up match, burdened with a significant chip disadvantage.
Straus emerged victorious, pocketing $520,000 and earning his second WSOP bracelet (his first one was awarded in 1973). He was later posthumously inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988 following his passing at the age of 58.
Treetop Straus demonstrated that sometimes all it takes is a chip and a chair to achieve victory.
What Are the Chances of Winning a Poker Tournament with Just One Chip? poker cheat sheet !
Although Straus triumphed in the Main Event with merely one chip left, this doesn’t imply that every player can replicate such success when faced with a short stack. The circumstances vary, but generally, most players find it challenging to recover from being down to a single chip, primarily due to the dynamics of the game.
Even a player who manages to double up multiple times will still find themselves drastically short-stacked. Nonetheless, it’s not uncommon for players to win tournaments even when starting with less than 10 big blinds. This lends some credence to the saying 'a chip and a chair.' poker variance .
What Are the Chances of Winning a Poker Tournament with One Chip?
As one becomes low on chips, it’s vital to understand the severity of the situation. While many players view anything below 30 big blinds as short-stacked, having 10 blinds or fewer is even more critical. Players find themselves in a 'chip and chair' scenario.
Here are a few points to consider in such situations:
Select your hands carefully and be prepared to fold. Smaller pairs or middle position hands may not be worth pursuing.
Play more conservatively –
Calling bets merely to see the flop can prove detrimental to your chip count.
Less limping –
This approach can lead to elimination instead of allowing time to wait for more favorable hands.
Avoid blind stealing –
When you choose to play, ensure you favor stronger hands.
Reduce your starting hand range –
Limit the poker hand In these scenarios, players with solid hands might consider going all-in, hoping for a double-up to re-enter the tournament.
Be ready to ship it in –
Do not feel obligated to defend your blinds –
Contesting for blinds can lead to the loss of valuable chips and deplete your stack. It’s wiser to wait for stronger hands.
Look for stronger hands to make your move.
Position becomes less crucial –
It's crucial to keep in mind that when holding solid hands, aggressive play is essential. Accumulating chips will help in retaining your position in the tournament.
Having explored the meaning behind this phrase and its relevance to a short stack, you may now be curious about the contexts in which you might hear it at the poker table.
Using ‘Chip and a Chair’ in a Sentence
“In this poker tournament, all you really need is a chip and a chair.”
Here’s a quick look at a few examples:
- “Even if you don't have many chips, remember that a chip and a chair is all you require.”
- “Jack Straus literally had just a chip and a chair yet went on to clinch victory at the 1982 World Series of Poker Main Event.”
- The story of Jack Straus illustrates that as long as you have a chip remaining (and consequently a chair), you retain the potential to conquer the entire tournament.
Summary of ‘A Chip and a Chair’
This saying can serve as a source of encouragement when players find themselves with a short stack.
Play strategically when your chip count is low, as a significant comeback could be on the horizon.
Sean Chaffin is a dedicated freelance writer based in Ruidoso, New Mexico, focusing on poker, gambling, and the casino industry, among other subjects. You can find him on Twitter at @PokerTraditions or contact him via email at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net.
Originally published on 5 April 2021