Short deck (6+) strategy tips for beginners
In short deck (6+) the deck has only 36 cards, so hand values run much closer than in normal Hold’em, draws hit more often and big pots are common. You can play more hands preflop, but you must adjust: straights come often, flushes are rarer and the hand rankings are different. Learn the short deck rules first.
Key differences that change strategy
Section titled “Key differences that change strategy”| Normal Hold’em | Short deck |
|---|---|
| A-K vs a small pair is a coin flip | Closer still; many matchups are near 50/50 |
| Open-ended straight draw: 8 outs | Still 8 outs, but from far fewer unseen cards, so straights hit more often |
| Flush below full house | Flush above full house |
| Blinds | Often antes plus a button blind |
Preflop
Section titled “Preflop”- Play more hands: with fewer cards, almost any two connected or suited cards have decent equity.
- Pairs are strong: sets come more often because the deck is smaller.
- Ace-high hands are less special: everyone holds high cards.
- With antes in the pot, limping is more common than in normal Hold’em, especially on the button in some games.
After the flop
Section titled “After the flop”- Straights are frequent: on connected boards, one pair is weak.
- Flush draws have fewer outs (only nine cards per suit), but a flush is very strong.
- Equities are close, so big all-ins with draws are common. Be ready for swings; see variance.
Common mistakes from Hold’em players
Section titled “Common mistakes from Hold’em players”- Forgetting that a flush beats a full house.
- Overvaluing top pair on connected boards.
- Folding too much preflop: hands run closer, so tight Hold’em ranges are too tight.
- Forgetting that A-6-7-8-9 is a straight.
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Why do hands run closer in short deck?
Section titled “Why do hands run closer in short deck?”With only 36 cards, starting hands are closer in equity and draws hit more often.
Should you play more hands in short deck?
Section titled “Should you play more hands in short deck?”Yes, ranges are wider than in normal Hold’em because equities run closer.
Is a flush strong in short deck?
Section titled “Is a flush strong in short deck?”Yes. It’s rarer than a full house, so it ranks higher.
What is the most common mistake in short deck?
Section titled “What is the most common mistake in short deck?”Using normal Hold’em hand values, such as forgetting that a flush beats a full house.