08 Nov 2024 Beginner This material is for beginner players combinatorics Short Deck Poker, or 6+ Hold'em, is a popular variation of Texas Hold'em that uses a smaller deck of cards. This game has gained a lot of attention for its unique rules and fast-paced action. Below is an overview of Short Deck Poker rules, the key differences from traditional No-Limit Hold'em, and a comparison table for hand rankings. What Is Short Deck Poker? Short Deck Poker, or 6+ Hold'em, was introduced as a fresh, dynamic variation of Texas Hold'em in the high-stakes poker scene in Asia, particularly in popular casinos in Macau. The game was designed to add excitement and increase variance by removing low-value cards, creating a shorter 36-card deck instead of the usual 52. The idea behind this shift was to make big hands appear more frequently, leading to more engaging and unpredictable games. Short Deck quickly gained popularity among both recreational players and high-stakes professionals who enjoyed the increased potential for big pots and dramatic showdowns. Key Differences from No-Limit Hold'em The game is similar to regular Hold'em in many ways but has some distinct rules that make it unique and exciting. 1. Deck Size and Ranks In Short Deck, cards from 2 to 5 are removed. The smallest card is now a 6, and the highest card remains the Ace. This change impacts the odds of making certain hands, as there are fewer low-ranking cards. 2. Hand Rankings Some hand rankings are different in Short Deck Poker: Flushes beat full houses because it's harder to make a flush with fewer cards in each suit. Three of a kind (trips and sets) beats a straight in most versions of Short Deck, as straights are easier to make with fewer cards. However, note that in some poker rooms straights are higher than three of a kind, similar to traditional Hold'em rules. Below is a comparison of hand rankings in 6+ Hold'em and No-Limit Hold'em. 6+ Hold'em No-Limit Hold'em Royal Flush Royal Flush Straight Flush Straight Flush Four of a Kind Four of a Kind Flush Full House Full House Flush Three of a Kind Straight Straight Three of a Kind Two Pair Two Pair One Pair One Pair High Card High Card 3. Blinds and Antes Short Deck games usually don’t have traditional small and big blinds. Instead, players contribute an ante, and the dealer places a double ante. This structure creates more action, as there’s always money in the pot to win from the start. How to Play Short Deck Poker 1. The Deal Each player receives two hole cards, just like in Texas Hold'em. The goal is still to make the best five-card hand using a combination of hole cards and community cards. 2. Betting Rounds Betting rounds follow the same structure as No-Limit Hold'em: Pre-flop (before the first three community cards) Flop (first three community cards) Turn (fourth community card) River (fifth and final community card) 3. Showdown If there are multiple players left after the final round of betting, the players reveal their cards, and the best hand wins the pot. Strategy Adjustments in Short Deck Poker Due to the smaller deck and adjusted hand rankings, Short Deck Poker requires different strategies: Higher Probability of Strong Hands: With fewer cards, monster hands like sets, straights, and flushes occur more frequently. This means players may need to play more aggressively. Hand Values Change: Hands that are strong in No-Limit Hold'em may not be as valuable in Short Deck. For example, pocket pairs become more powerful since three-of-a-kind ranks higher than a straight in most versions. Summary Short Deck Poker is a thrilling variation of Texas Hold'em with faster action and different hand values. It requires new strategies and an understanding of how the deck size impacts odds. Check out our 6+ Hold'em Odds Calculator to see your chances of winning against any hand on the preflop, flop, turn, or river. Make sure to check the specific hand rankings of the room where you're playing, as they can vary.
