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Poker has always evolved to keep players engaged, and Short Deck Poker—also known as 6-plus Hold’em—is one of the most exciting variations to gain traction in recent years. This fast-paced version of Texas Hold’em has captivated both casual players and professionals alike due to its unique hand rankings and high-stakes action.
In this article, we’ll delve into the rules of Short Deck Poker, explore effective strategies for success, and understand what makes it different from the traditional game. Whether you’re new to poker or looking to broaden your skills, this guide offers everything you need to jump into the action confidently.
Short Deck Poker, or 6+ Hold’em, is a poker variant that uses a 36-card deck by removing all cards ranked 2 through 5. It was initially popularized in Asia’s high-stakes poker circles, especially by prominent players like Tom Dwan and Phil Ivey, and has since spread to international poker platforms and tournaments.
While it follows the same structure as traditional Texas Hold’em in terms of betting rounds and hand setup (hole cards and community cards), Short Deck introduces several game-changing differences:
Deck Composition: Only cards from 6 through Ace are used.
Hand Rankings: With fewer cards, the probabilities shift, changing how hands are ranked.
More Action: Due to higher hand strengths, players are more incentivized to enter pots.
Here are the foundational rules you need to get started:
Uses a 36-card deck (6 through Ace).
All suits remain intact.
Players are dealt two hole cards.
Five community cards are dealt in three rounds (flop, turn, river).
Betting rounds occur pre-flop, post-flop, after the turn, and post-river.
Many Short Deck games use an ante structure rather than blinds.
Often, one player posts a “button ante,” encouraging larger pots and more action.
With the removal of 16 cards (2s through 5s), hand strengths shift. Below are the most common hand rankings in Short Deck Poker (though some variations exist):
Royal Flush
Straight Flush
Four of a Kind
Flush (beats a Full House)
Full House
Three of a Kind
Straight (A-6-7-8-9 is the lowest possible straight)
Two Pair
One Pair
High Card
⚠️ Note: A Flush outranking a Full House is one of the most important changes. With fewer cards of each suit, Flushes are harder to make.
Adapting to Short Deck Poker means rethinking some core Texas Hold’em strategies. Here are a few tips to help you win:
With fewer cards in the deck, the chance of hitting sets (three-of-a-kinds) increases. Premium pairs like Pocket Aces or Kings hold more value and should be played aggressively.
Draws—especially flush and straight draws—are more common, so it’s important to calculate your equity correctly. The odds of completing a straight or flush are slightly higher than in traditional Hold’em.
Due to the smaller deck, monster hands appear more often. A top pair might not be good enough by the river. Be cautious if facing heavy resistance.
Position remains crucial. Being last to act gives you more information, which is key in a game where people are playing wider ranges.
Because players are more likely to hit a hand, bluffing becomes riskier. Pick your bluff spots carefully and ensure they’re backed by logical narratives.
Looking for more advanced poker tips? Check out Winning Strategies in Poker Tournaments for insights that apply across variants.
There are several reasons for Short Deck Poker’s surge in popularity:
With more playable hands and fewer cards, games move quicker and involve more action.
Professional players are drawn to Short Deck due to its variance and volatility, offering big pots and high rewards.
Tournaments like those hosted by Triton Poker (a respected name in high-stakes poker) have brought Short Deck Poker to the global spotlight. With televised events featuring poker legends, the game has attracted massive interest.
The rules are easy enough for beginners, but mastering Short Deck strategy takes time—making it appealing to a wide range of players.
Short Deck Poker represents an exciting evolution of the game, blending the familiar with the innovative. Its rule changes and strategy shifts create a thrilling environment for players looking to spice up their poker sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the poker table, learning Short Deck can give you a fresh perspective and a competitive edge.
