Short Deck Poker (also known as Six-Plus Hold’em) is a thrilling variation of Texas Hold’em that has gained popularity in high-stakes cash games and tournaments. With fewer cards in play, the hand rankings shift, and the action becomes faster and more aggressive.
This guide covers the rules, hand rankings, and winning strategies for Short Deck Poker, helping you master this exciting game.
What Is Short Deck Poker?
Short Deck Poker is played with a 36-card deck (all cards from 2 to 5 are removed). The reduced deck increases the likelihood of strong hands, leading to more action-packed games.
Key Differences from Texas Hold’em
✔ Fewer cards (36 instead of 52)
✔ Adjusted hand rankings (Flush beats Full House)
✔ More frequent big hands (Straights and Flushes are common)
✔ No blinds in some formats (Ante-only structures)
Short Deck Poker Rules
- Deck Composition
- All cards from 2 to 5 are removed, leaving 6 through Ace.
- Total cards: 36 (instead of 52).
- Hand Rankings (Different from Texas Hold’em)
Since straights and flushes are easier to make, the rankings adjust:
- Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10, same suit)
- Straight Flush (Five consecutive cards, same suit)
- Four of a Kind
- Flush (Beats a Full House)
- Full House
- Straight (A-6-7-8-9 is valid, but not A-K-Q-J-10)
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
Note: Aces can be high or low in straights (e.g., A-6-7-8-9).
- Betting Structure
- Plays like No-Limit Hold’em (Preflop, Flop, Turn, River).
- Some games use ante-only (no blinds) to encourage action.
- Turn & River Rules
- After the flop, one card is burned before the turn and river (unlike Hold’em, where two are burned).
Winning Strategies for Short Deck Poker
- Play More Hands Preflop
- With fewer cards, premium hands come more often.
- Play aggressively with:
- High pairs (AA, KK, QQ)
- Suited connectors (J-10, 9-8 suited)
- Ace-high hands (A-K, A-Q, A-J)
- Adjust to the Flush vs. Full House Dynamic
- Since a Flush beats a Full House, be cautious when you hold trips.
- If the board has three suited cards, someone likely has a Flush.
- Value Bet Stronger Hands
- Top pair is weaker in Short Deck due to more straights and flushes.
- Bet big with two pairs, straights, and flushes.
- Bluff Less Frequently
- Players call more often because draws are stronger.
- Semi-bluff with straight or flush draws instead of pure bluffs.
- Watch for Overpairs
- Overpairs (like KK on a Q-7-2 board) are vulnerable to straights and flushes.
- Don’t overcommit with just one pair.
- Position Matters More
- Being in late position allows you to control the pot size.
- Steal more pots when opponents show weakness.
Common Mistakes in Short Deck Poker
❌ Overvaluing One Pair (Weak in this format)
❌ Ignoring Flush Draws (They hit more often)
❌ Playing Too Many Weak Hands (Stick to strong starters)
❌ Not Adjusting Bet Sizes (Larger bets protect strong hands)
Where to Play Short Deck Poker?
Many online poker sites now offer Short Deck, including:
- PokerStars (Six-Plus Hold’em)
- GGPoker
- Partypoker
- High-stakes live casinos (Macau, Las Vegas)
Conclusion
Short Deck Poker is an action-packed, high-variance game where strong hands appear frequently. By adjusting your strategy—playing more aggressively, valuing flushes over full houses, and avoiding overcommitment with weak pairs—you can gain an edge.
Whether you’re playing online or live, mastering Short Deck requires adaptability and aggression. Use these tips to dominate the tables!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why does a Flush beat a Full House in Short Deck?
Because flushes are harder to make with fewer cards, the rankings adjust to reflect their rarity.
- Can you play Short Deck Poker online?
Yes! PokerStars, GGPoker, and Partypoker offer Six-Plus Hold’em.
- Is A-6-7-8-9 a straight in Short Deck?
Yes, but A-K-Q-J-10 is not (since 10-J-Q-K-A is the highest straight).
- Should I bluff less in Short Deck?
Yes, players call more often due to the high frequency of strong draws.
- What’s the best starting hand in Short Deck?
A-A, K-K, and suited A-K are the strongest.
