Short deck poker, also known as “6+ Hold’em” or “Six Plus Hold’em,” is a popular variant of Texas Hold’em poker. In short deck poker, the traditional 52-card deck is used, but all the cards below a certain rank are removed. The exact rules regarding which cards are removed can vary, but a common version of short deck poker involves removing all the deuces (2s), treys (3s), fours (4s), and fives (5s), leaving a 36-card deck with cards ranked from 6 to Ace.
What is short deck poker?
Here are some key features and rules of short deck poker:
- Hand Rankings: In short deck poker, the hand rankings are adjusted due to the reduced deck. The standard hand rankings are typically modified to account for the smaller range of possible hands. For example, in many short deck games, a flush is ranked higher than a full house because it’s harder to make a flush with fewer cards in each suit.
- Flush Beats a Full House: As mentioned, a flush is usually ranked higher than a full house in short deck poker. The hand rankings can vary slightly from one version to another, so it’s essential to check the specific rules used in the game you’re playing.
- Aces Act as High and Low: In short deck poker, Aces can serve as either high cards (above a King) or low cards (below a 6) when forming straights. For example, Ace-6-7-8-9 is a valid straight.
- Ante-Only Structure: Short deck poker often uses an “ante-only” betting structure, where every player at the table must contribute an ante before each hand is dealt. There are typically no small blinds or big blinds, as in traditional Texas Hold’em.
- Fewer Players: Short deck poker is commonly played with fewer players at the table compared to traditional poker games. Games with 6 to 8 players are common.
- Action-Oriented: Due to the altered hand rankings and smaller deck, short deck poker tends to be more action-oriented and can result in more frequent strong hands. Players often need to adjust their strategies accordingly.
Short deck poker has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in high-stakes and tournament settings. Its faster pace and unique hand rankings provide an exciting variation of traditional Texas Hold’em, attracting both recreational and experienced players. If you’re interested in playing short deck poker, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific rules used in the variant you choose to play, as there can be some variations in hand rankings and game structures.