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Short Deck Hold’em, also called Six-Plus Hold’em, is a newer version of poker that is quickly becoming popular around the world. It’s fast, exciting, and full of action. While it’s similar to Texas Hold’em in many ways, there are some key differences you must understand before jumping in.
This guide will help you learn how to play Short Deck Hold’em in the simplest way, with clear rules, tips, and useful advice to get ahead of the game.
What Makes Short Deck Different?
Short Deck Hold’em uses a smaller deck of 36 cards instead of 52. That’s because all 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s are removed. This change makes the game more action-packed and gives players better starting hands more often.
Here are the main differences:
- Only cards 6 to Ace are used.
- Flush beats a Full House (this is different from Texas Hold’em).
- Ace can be low, so you can make a straight with A-6-7-8-9.
- More aggressive action and faster gameplay.
How the Game Works
Short Deck is still a community card game. Every player gets two hole cards, and five community cards are shared. Betting rounds are the same as Texas Hold’em (pre-flop, flop, turn, river). But the blinds system is different.
No Blinds – Just Antes
In most Short Deck games:
- Everyone posts an ante (a small starting bet).
- The button player posts a double ante.
- Action starts to the left of the button.
- Players can fold, call, or raise.
After that, gameplay moves in a circle, with the usual betting rounds.
Strategy Basics and Math Changes
Removing 16 cards from the deck changes the math of the game a lot.
More Strong Hands
Since small cards are gone, you’ll be dealt better hands more often, and so will your opponents. This means:
- Premium hands (like pocket Aces) show up more.
- Connected cards and suited cards become much stronger.
- Top pair is weaker than in regular Hold’em.
For example, in regular Texas Hold’em, an open-ended straight draw hits about 32% of the time. In Short Deck, it hits almost 50% that’s a huge difference! This means drawing hands (like 9-10 or J-Q) are very powerful.
Flush Draws Are Harder to Hit
With fewer cards, you have only 9 cards of each suit, not 13. This means flush draws hit less often, but when you do make a flush, it beats a full house, so it’s very valuable.
Simple Tips to Win in Short Deck
Here are some easy and smart ways to play better:
1. Avoid Overplaying One Pair
Hands like top pair are not very strong in this game. Since players get better hands more often, try not to rely on a simple pair unless you have a strong kicker or backup draw.
2. Limping is Okay
In Texas Hold’em, limping (just calling the ante instead of raising) is often considered weak. But in Short Deck, limping from early position is often correct. It helps you keep the pot small and gives you more options after the flop.
3. Play More Suited and Connected Hands
Hands like J-10 suited or 9-8 suited are great. They can make straights and flushes, and these draws hit more often. In fact, JTs has about 50% equity against AK preflop!
4. Use Good Bet Sizing
Since there are antes from everyone, the pot grows fast. Be smart with your bet sizes. If your stack is small, even a preflop raise can force you into a tough all-in situation later. Always plan your bets based on stack sizes and pot size.
Also Read: Sweepstakes Casino: When To Bet Big For Bigger Wins
