Short Deck Poker, also known as 6+ Hold’em, has rapidly gained traction in the world of high-stakes poker. This variation of Texas Hold’em offers a fast-paced, high-action experience that has caught the attention of some of the biggest names in the game, including Tom Dwan and Phil Ivey. Whether you’re a seasoned poker player or a beginner, understanding the core rules and strategies of Short Deck Poker is key to mastering this thrilling game.
Understanding the Basics of Short Deck Poker
The most notable difference between Short Deck and traditional Texas Hold’em is the deck. In Short Deck, all the 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s are removed, leaving a deck of only 36 cards. This change significantly alters the dynamics of the game, with a higher likelihood of stronger hands and more frequent action.
Despite the reduced deck size, the game is played similarly to Texas Hold’em. Players are dealt two private cards (hole cards), followed by rounds of community cards and betting. The rounds consist of the pre-flop, flop (three community cards), turn (fourth community card), and river (fifth community card), with players trying to form the best possible hand using a combination of their hole cards and the community cards.
Hand Rankings in Short Deck Poker
In Short Deck, the hand rankings differ slightly from traditional poker due to the deck’s reduced size. A flush, for example, becomes rarer and more valuable than a full house, making it a stronger hand. Additionally, the use of an Ace as the low end of a straight is altered. In traditional poker, an Ace can be used as the low card in a straight (A-2-3-4-5), but in Short Deck, the Ace can only form a low straight as A-6-7-8-9.
Here’s a comparison of hand rankings in Short Deck versus Texas Hold’em:
| Short Deck Ranking | Texas Hold’em Ranking |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Royal Flush |
| Straight Flush | Straight Flush |
| Four of a Kind | Four of a Kind |
| Flush | Full House |
| Full House | Flush |
| Straight | Straight |
| Three of a Kind | Three of a Kind |
| Two Pair | Two Pair |
| Pair | Pair |
| High Card | High Card |
The most important takeaway is that hands like flushes are harder to come by, and therefore, they outrank full houses. Being aware of these differences is crucial when jumping into a Short Deck game.
Key Strategies for Short Deck Poker
Short Deck Poker presents unique strategic challenges. While it shares similarities with Texas Hold’em, the reduced deck means that certain strategies need to be adjusted for success.
- Strong Starting Hands: In Short Deck, big pocket pairs and suited connectors are more valuable. Hands like A-K suited are often stronger than in traditional Hold’em because of the increased likelihood of making stronger combinations.
- Position Matters: As in traditional poker, position plays a significant role in Short Deck. Being last to act allows players to gather more information and make more informed decisions.
- Aggression Pays Off: Due to the higher frequency of stronger hands, aggression can be an effective strategy. With more players likely to hit strong hands, betting aggressively with suited connectors or big pairs can help build pots or force out weaker hands.
- Higher Variance: With stronger hands in play, Short Deck has a higher variance than traditional Hold’em. Players should be prepared for swings and ensure they manage their bankroll accordingly.
- The Rule of 6 and 3: In traditional Hold’em, players use the “rule of 4 and 2” to calculate their odds of hitting a drawing hand. In Short Deck, this is adjusted to the “rule of 6 and 3.” Multiply your outs by 6 on the flop and by 3 on the turn to get an estimate of your chances of hitting your hand by the river.
Where to Play Short Deck Poker
Short Deck Poker has steadily increased in popularity, especially in online and live settings. Major online platforms, including PokerStars, offer Short Deck games, allowing players to practice and learn at lower stakes before jumping into high-stakes cash games or tournaments.
The game has also become a staple in live tournament settings, particularly with organizations like Triton Poker leading the charge with high-stakes Short Deck events. While the World Series of Poker (WSOP) introduced Short Deck events in 2023, it has since scaled back on the format for 2024, although its return in future events seems likely.
Short Deck Poker is an exciting and fast-paced variation of Texas Hold’em that offers fresh challenges for players seeking something new. With its unique hand rankings, higher variance, and strategic adjustments, it is a game that rewards creativity and skill. Whether you’re looking to play at an online crypto casino or in a high-stakes tournament, mastering Short Deck is a thrilling challenge worth taking on.
